Post Match comments from players and coaches.
Columbus Crew SC ran rampant on the Chicago Fire in an under the lights Eastern Conference showdown. Crew SC would get three points, defeating their bitter rivals by a score of 3-0. After the game, players and coaches from both teams gave their thoughts on the match. Chicago head coach Veljko Paunovic was the first to share his take on the 3-0 loss.
On the way his team played
“First I wanna thank our supporters who came here. Unfortunately, disappointing result and disappointing performance. We are aware of the issues we had this season and we have to fix it. I think the game reflects how this team feels right now, which is very fragile. That’s been the whole season. This game has been pretty much the same. Positive things? Of course, you can always find positive things. What I liked about the team was that we tried until the end to score at least one goal. We weren’t even close but at least that’s the mentality we have to look for. We gotta do much better. We gotta improve. We have to work ahead to next season.”
Paunovic believes in Chicago Fire
On what to play for
“We always p;ay for something. And that something is our honor. Our pride. It’s always there. I really don’t care if I have to win three points in a game. Whatever I have to play, I give everything, and that’s exactly what we have to find guys that will.”
On first Columbus goal
“That’s the adjustments. You have to understand the situation. You have to read the game. That’s what we always say and of course, we could have been better and defending that 3v2 on the flank which later resulted in a fantastic goal. There are things –before the goal is conceded– that you have to do better. The player takes a shot like that and scores, you have your last opportunity which is your goalkeeper, but it was a tough goal but still I think before then we could do better.”
On what to accomplish the last two games.
“You will always learn. That’s always been our approach, that’s how it’s always been. But when we have to learn in order to improve for the next year is to compete and we have to compete better.”
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Head coach Gregg Berhalter and midfielder Dilly Duka
Next, Crew SC head coach Gregg Berhalter and goal scorer Dilly Duka gave their post match comments on the 3-0 win.
On the team effort
“I think that was important. The message to the team before the match was that it’s one at a time now. And we have to earn the right in order to play for something next week, or in 10 days. It was about getting a win in our last regular season game at home. I think the crowd was fantastic, really got behind us and that was what this was all about, was getting the win.”
On how late, the great performance came
“The whole thing has been frustrating and the guys will tell you that as well. But we don’t give up, we keep going. I’ve said a number of times, ‘We don’t feel bad for ourselves. We don’t make excuses for ourselves.’ This is a situation and we’re gonna deal with it. We’re gonna try to get wins from here on in. We’re not out of it yet. We’re gonna keep playing.”
Dilly Duka on his performance
“Yeah. I think I’ve been training really well this week. I thought if I got an opportunity in the game, I’ll be able to contribute. Not necessarily a goal or an assist but just contribute in a win. I thought today was an overall good performance. I thought everybody on the field had a strong game. Last game of the season, it’s really good to get three points for our fans.”
Four changes in Crew SC lineup
Lineup changes
“It was about getting some fresh legs on the field. That’s what this was about. We got four guys in, Dilly included, and I thought they all did really well. We needed a boost, we needed the energy considering the DC [United] game we were dragging a bit and I think what those guys did, they raised the level of the rest of the guys because they were working hard and they set the tone on how the physical performance was going to be like.”
Having Fun
“Yeah. It was our last home game. Gregg said it before the game, ‘Enjoy it.’ Obviously, we wanted the win so we’re gonna work hard and try to enjoy it. We looked good. Everybody was sharp. Harrison’s first goal was a huge relief, and then after that everything just started flowing.
Season attendance
“It’s great. I’ve said this before, I have a lot of respect for the fans. I thank the fans for sticking with us and getting behind us. We’re disappointed with the year, they’re disappointed with the year, and to show you’re a true fan, you stay, and you come to the stadium. We’re not done yet. We’re gonna keep fighting. Three games left, and hopefully we’re gonna make this a little interesting.”
On standings and playoffs
“As a locker room, we believe we’re better than what the standings show. We’re not really in control of our own destiny. We just gotta take it one game at a time and look to finish the season strong just for our fans, our club, and ourselves as players.”
Columbus and Chicago will wrap up their season series at Toyota Park in Bridgeview, Illinois.