Quote Sheet:
Chicago Fire 1 – 1 San Jose Earthquakes
Buck Shaw Stadium – July 28, 2012
Chicago Fire Head Coach Frank Klopas
On the match:
“It was a very good match from our team. We played very well, created a lot of chances, and scored a great goal. We came here to take 3 points, but the way the game ended we feel very disappointed. We played against the best team, but it hurts the way it ended… Sometimes the game is harsh. It’s a good point to take away on the road.”
On Moving forward:
“We just need to continue playing well. The effort was great but we just need to play consistently all the way until the end. None of the games are going to get any easier and there’s a lot on the line but it’s exciting. You want each game to mean something and most of the games will because we play teams in our conference.”
Fire Goalkeeper Sean Johnson:
On the match:
“I thought as a whole we played well. San Jose has been a team that has capitalized late in games all year… We were disappointed not to take away three points but we need to look at it as a positive moving forward. We came in to a tough place to play… and on the road you always want to come away with a point but it is disappointing since we had the game in hand for so long.”
Fire Midfielder Chris Rolfe:
On the match:
“I thought we played pretty well. We were organized as a team and gave up some chances but Sean [Johnson] came up big for us.”
On his goal:
“I had a time to turn in the midfield and played it to Patrick [Nyarko] and I know [Nyarko] likes to play it back to me and he found me in good space.”
On Johnson’s Performance:
“It was phenomenal. One of the best performances I’ve seen from goalie in a long time. I’m really proud of him and I think he’s done a great job for us in the last few games.”
On moving forward:
“We were disappointed with how it ended, but I think looking forward we’re going to see a lot of positives in it and help us move forward into next weekend.”
Fire Forward Sherjill MacDonald
On his first game in MLS:
“It was a little difficult for me because it was my first game in a long time. It wasn’t so bad, but obviously I can do a lot better and I’m looking forward to the next game.
On team’s performance:
“I think we played a very strong team and we did well. The defense played well, especially Sean Johnson.”
SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES HEAD COACH FRANK YALLOP
On game:
“This team just keeps going and never gives up. I am proud of the guys for their fight and effort, but also for their very good play. We moved the ball well and we created a ton of chances. I told them at halftime to get the ball into dangerous areas and the goals would come. Sean Johnson had a tremendous night and that kept them in the game, but we kept pushing to the end and got a well-deserved point.”
On Steven Lenhart:
“I am just happy for him. He’s got seven goals now and it couldn’t happen to a better guy. He has fought through a lot and he is a great person and a great teammate. Everyone in this locker room is happy for him when he does well and he came through tonight. That was a great strike and it got us a valuable point.”
SAN JOES EARTHQUAKES FORWARD STEVEN LENHART
On the late goal:
“It was a great team effort. It was a great layoff from Wondo (Chris Wondolowski). I just was able to finish his pass. We have a great partnership between everyone on the team to be honest. We prepare well and we show up to play the entire game. The credit goes to Wondo, though. He is a special player and he gave me a great ball.”
On the mentality of the team:
“We never say die and we never come into a game or at any moment in the game do we think that we are going to lose. I think we have had that mentality all season. We are very strong as a team with our focus and determination.”
SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES DEFENDER JASON HERNANDEZ
On playing with Jed Zayner for first time:
“Obviously Jed has a lot of experience in this league and he is a great professional and can step in and do the job at any time. I thought he played a great game tonight; he was up and down the wing and really contributing on the right side. It was really great to see him get his first action with us and a sign for much more out of him.”
SAN JOSE GOALKEEPER JON BUSCH
On Chicago Fire Goalkeeper Sean Johnson:
“I thought Sean was awesome tonight. Full credit has to go to him, he kept them in the game tonight with save after save. We would have had a couple more if it weren’t for him. He has a bright future ahead of him; he is a future senior national team goalkeeper and I told him that. He was fantastic.”
On Steven Lenhart:
“Had to be Lenny (Steven Lenhart) on wig night; it was written this way. His first game back, he came in and did what he always does: a bull in a china shop. He deserves the goal and played fantastic, the entire team played great. But Lenny and the boys kept battling and we got a big point tonight.”
