Chicago Fire head coach Carlos de los Cobos
Thoughts on the 2-1 win over Colorado…
It was a difficult match. Colorado didn’t bring all their players but we took this match seriously because to us it was an important game to try and compete in this tournament in the best way. I’m very satisfied with the effort of my players. We had a few big moments during the match and I think we deserved to win because we created some options. I’ve always said it’s not easy to win against teams in this league because all the teams have very good players and all the teams try to give 100 percent on the field. For us this victory strengthens our confidence.
On Jalil Anibaba’s 61st minute goal…
It was a great goal. I’m very happy with Jalil because he’s a very young guy, a draft pick for us this year and he’s improving. He’s a mature guy and he’s working hard. I’m happy for Jalil and everybody because this group, I told you at the start of the season this group is different. Different players, different skills, different attitude and they’re playing with great commitment to each other
It was a great goal. I’m very happy with Jalil because he’s a very young guy, a draft pick for us this year and he’s improving. He’s a mature guy and he’s working hard. I’m happy for Jalil and everybody because this group, I told you at the start of the season this group is different. Different players, different skills, a very good attitude and they’re playing with great commitment to each other and this is the most important thing.
On the first appearances by Yamith Cuesta and Davis Paul
Davis is another draft pick this year that has many qualities. He’s a young player with a strong personality, good technique and is aggressive with the ball. Yamith debuted, but I took him off because of the yellow card – he was playing with risk and for that reason I put Dasan Robinson in his position. The most important thing is that all the players they are trying for the team, they are working hard and I’m very satisfied.
Chicago Fire midfielder Logan Pause
Thoughts on the 2-1 win over Colorado
It was a great result. Moving to the next phase of qualifying, these tournaments are exciting forthe club and this team. It gives us a different perspective, a different format versus a 34- game season. I’m really proud of the guys – it wasn’t the prettiest at times but getting the result is what matters.
On Jalil Anibaba’s game winning goal
I thought it was fantastic and opportunistic. We’ve known since day one that he could crush a ball. I think the keeper was cheating a bit thinking it was going to be a cross. He just let it go and it was fantastic. Its just special when a first-year kid, this is his third professional game, just so proud of him, he’s been working so hard and he’s fitting in well this team.
On what the result means
We’re still in the qualifying stage, I don’t even know if its called the Open Cup yet. Since the club has been established this team has taken the Open Cup very seriously. It’s a way to win a trophy and become champions of a fantastic tournament. I don’t think it carries anymore weight versus other games in the past, we’re looking forward to the next qualifying match.
On the mood in the locker room after three positive results
It feels good but its three games. That’s the one thing we’re really trying to change and keep in perspective. We know there are going to be some dips, we just don’t want those dips to be down at the bottom. Right now we’re playing well, we’re getting the results that we need and there’s room for improvement. This is the beginning of a long season and the first qualifying game just to get into the tournament. We’re excited about it and I think its great for the guys in the locker room but we also need to keep in perspective where we are.
Chicago Fire defender Jalil Anibaba
Thoughts on the 2-1 win over Colorado…
I thought it was a hard-fought game and I thought as a group we showed very well tonight.
Thoughts on his game winning goal…
It was definitely a good first professional career goal, but definitely more important is that we came away with a win and advanced to the next round of the Open Cup.
Thoughts as he was taking the shot…
I saw that I had space and time and I just measured up the keeper. I just tried to get it on frame and fortunately it went in. You work so hard for moments like that and when they actually do come, it’s pretty special.
