Chicago Fire HC Veljko Paunovic
On tonight’s game…
“Congratulations to our opponent, they played a really good game. On our side we showed that we came here to win the game from the very first moment and we played a very good game. I want to congratulate all the players who had a fantastic game and talent we show ... I think it’s a great thing to highlight and attitude and mentality ... Now I’m 100% we are a successful team and on a winning path this season.”
On tonight’s defensive performance…
“I think our first game we took our notes from where we need to improve so it’s a big thing. And in possession we are building and creating our shots and opportunities and were still working on our conversions and working on our possibilities ... We had a great game and I think we deserved it more. But again New York, great opponent and great coaching staff… so it was a great game for me. "
On keeping a clean sheet...
“I think Matt (Lampson) did a great job…we need to reorganize all the teamwork and he has to stop something. He is doing a great job…and everyone involved in the defense and...and involve in our attack. Everyone did a fantastic game...so congratulations. But we still need to improve and very many details…But I am still very proud.”
On the team’s mentality…
“We believe in our teamwork.. we believe in our mentality and we believe in playing like a team.”
On the game-prep this week…
“We worked on all the phases. All the possessions of the game. How to drop.. how to play safe.. I have to say I love how New York plays.. Congratulations on the New York team and all the players.”
On the field dimensions…
“We adopt to what we have. We play hard. That’s’ what soccer is .. read the game. Understand what’s going on.. whoever understands will play the best.”
Chicago Fire GK Matt Lampson
On coming to NY and getting a point on the road…
“Any time you can get points on the road is good. We really want to end the winless streak on the road. I don’t even know how long that streak it is but I’m proud of the guys today, it’s the third straight shutout, and that speaks to the way our teams defends. The way we have a passion for not letting goals in. It’s obvious the whole team doesn’t want to let in a goal. And when you have performances like that from every single player, including the subs that came on, you are going to get points. And I think we are a four game not losing streak. So that’s good performances and I’m proud of everyone today. ”
On bouncing back from losing the first game…
“Well, I think for everybody, it was a learning experience. It sucks to learn from a loss and a bad loss, but it was obvious a learning experience and every jelled. And we are getting better and better with each game particular with possession and I’m happy with the progress we’re making. It was an embarrassing game the first game, it really was, and we wanted payback for these guys. Unfortunately we couldn’t a goal but I’m really proud of the way these guys fought today and we deserved a point.
On ending the winless streak on the road…
“When we go on the road, we want to win a game, we don’t play for points, we play for wins. So hopefully in the future we can come in and really put our stamp on the game, in an away game and keep the shutouts.
Chicago Fire M Alex Morrell
On making his professional debut…
“It was an awesome experience, especially in an environment like this. For them to give me the opportunity and trust in me enough to put me in the game is something special. I’ll take that and always remember that. We pulled out a good 0-0 tie so we felt good about it.”
On playing in Yankee Stadium…
“It’s a really cool environment to be put into the game. With that many fans and just to be in Yankee Stadium was pretty special, I definitely thought about that.”
Chicago Fire D Michael Harrington
On today’s match…
“Well, we were shut out on the road. I am a little disappointed to not get more, I felt like we were pretty close to give them a little more. All in all it was a good team effort. We put up a very good fight in the game. Being on the road I don’t think that we sat back or anything like that.”
On what the team has learned thus far…
“Obviously, I think that the first game we played the conditions had a lot to do with the score line. Also, I think that we have matured and I think that we will continue to mature. Not being naïve when the conditions aren’t conducive to playing out of the back, certain things like that I think we have handled better and its resulting in shutouts.”
On the team’s struggles on the road…
“We know that there a lot of new faces here and there has been a lot of changeover from the teams in the past. We know that we have the players in this locker room to go and get it done on the road and I think that we proved that tonight. I think that we very well could have had a win tonight. Sure, people want to talk about it and make a deal about [the club's road losing streak] but we know what we can do.”
