Veljko Paunovic, Chicago Fire Head Coach
Thoughts on the game
“I think we started very well. We had a great opportunity from Kennedy Igboananike in the first half that could have changed the game, for sure. Then, unlucky on a mistake on the first goal on a classy play from Castillo and great finishing by Urruti was something that changed the game, and that's the thing that we have to improve. Every time we have this kind of game, we don't take advantage and don't convert the opportunity like we had, the one that can change the game. That's still something need to improve, but we believe things will improve at some point, we will work together, and we will have better results, especially when we play on the road.”
If anything could have been done differently on the first two FC Dallas goals
“Of course you can always do something. Defensively we’ve proven that we’re tough, solid defensively but today we struggled against a very good team who is more experienced than us, who has played together longer than us and especially knows how to take advantage of the qualities that Dallas has.”
On the progress this point in the season
“I think it could be better but I think there have been some improvements and the guys are doing very well after six months of working together, which is the minimum time you need to get to know each other and build that necessary trust to progress later so I think we’re in a good spot from that point of view. But again, we need to continue working and continue trusting and believing in what we are doing and the good results will come in the future, as soon as possible, the better.”
Arturo Alvarez, Chicago Fire Midfielder
On the goal
“I got the ball and told myself I'm just going to hit it and have a go at it. In training, a few of us get together and work on free kicks, so why not? Obviously, you practice to do it in the games so I went for it.
On returning to Dallas
“It's a bit bittersweet coming back here as part of the Chicago Fire and we're trying to come here and get a result. We know that FC Dallas is a strong side and a good team. It always feels good to come back to Dallas, a club where I played three and half seasons, some good seasons, but I'm part of the Fire now and we didn't get the result we wanted, but we've got to just keep pushing.”
Kennedy Igboananike, Chicago Fire forward
Thoughts on the match
“I think the first half we gave up two easy goals but in the second half we came out very strong. I think we’ve just got to keep it up, keep believing in ourselves and make it happen in the next game.”
On the quick turnaround facing
“You have to take good care of yourself, make sure you recover well to make sure you’re ready for the next game.”
