MLS Regular Season
Chicago Fire (1-2-4, 7 points) 1:1 D.C. United (2-3-4, 10 points)
April 30, 2016 – Toyota Park
Veljko Paunovic, Chicago Fire Head Coach
On building momentum
“No doubt that we wanted to win this game more than anything. We had the opportunity, it was there but still we have to understand we’re a young team, a team in process which requires a lot of effort to win games. I’m happy with our playing, of course, good opportunities to win the game and I think that’s where we are at this point. We have to build that momentum that we had in the game against New York, where we were close to getting the next level after that game and the game against Montreal that broke us a lot but now we are recovered from that and I think that at the end it was a fair game and fair result.”
On the poor weather conditions
“Absolutely, we’ve had to adjust to the conditions of the weather. In the past games, the way we want to play and the style is not always possible so we have to adapt. In this game I think that was good. In the first game we didn’t play we wanted out of the back but we knew how important it was to win the game first and we had that opportunity for us to win points and keep on growing.”
On losing possession in the second half
“I think we wanted the game to finish as soon as possible. We lost the patience, we lost the control of the game. Even though at some points in the second half it was better, but still that’s normal, I say that’s normal. Of course I would love to see our team playing the best possible way and winning games but I’m very confident and very, very happy with our guys because they are working hard and doing the best they can do in order to get to that next level which is improving in all phases of the game and most of all with winning it.”
On the performance of Jonathan Campbell
“I’m very happy, he knows that. He and I spoke yesterday about it. I advised him to keep his feet on the ground, just keep on working hard. I’m very transparent, I think we have a player for the U.S. National Team here but he has to work hard, he has to understand that every game is a challenge for him, he has to improve and we will give him all the support that he needs.”
Jonathan Campbell, Chicago Fire Defender
On scoring his first MLS goal
"It felt great, but all credit to Arturo [Alvarez] playing that ball in behind. I just had to flick it on. It was a great feeling."
On the playing in rough weather
"It's tough, but we're getting pretty used to it. Obviously, it's something that they have to deal with in Chicago. We're trying to make it almost an advantage for us; when people come in to play us, we should be used to the wind, the rain, so we're ready."
Arturo Alvarez, Chicago Fire Midfielder
On coming away with a draw
"I think it's a bit of a disappointment. We had some chances that we could have finished out the game with, and we kind of let D.C. stay in it. From the last game against Montreal at home, that last minute goal they scored on, and now this tie at home, we'll take the point, but at the same time we're at home, and we want to start winning games at home. We need to."
On the difficulty of getting results
"It's been difficult. We have to make sure we close the games. I think that comes with us scoring the second goal, because being up only one goal gives the other team confidence to come back into the game. I think we need to make sure that the opportunities that we have, we have to finish them. I don't think we need to dwell on it too much. We know we're capable of winning games, we just need to make sure we just keep focusing on that, and they will come."
On the struggle to finish games
"It's tough. It's a new group. I think the guys are up for the game, they want to win. Goals are scored by not just one mistake; it has to be one, two, three mistakes that costs you goals, and we have to get better at that. Defensively, we've had some really good games, so it's those little moments in the games where they have a chance to come back and tie it. We have to keep working on it, but it's a little bit frustrating. It's early in the season, so I think we definitely have to work on that, and we will."
On playing the forward position
"I've played there before. I play on the right or as the second forward, behind the main striker. I just try to get involved, try to get the ball as much as possible, try to connect. I think today, we had some good passes, but unfortunately the goal wasn't there."
D.C. United Head Coach Ben Olsen
On getting a point:
“Yes, pleased with a point. I think it could have gone either way there in the second half. They had some looks, we had some looks. The elements certainly were real tonight. The wind was swirling; they’re not used to that around here. Overall pleased with the way the week went and us having to make adjustments. It’s a new formation, and we didn’t have a lot of time to prepare. The guys looked after each other and it was a gutsy group effort.”
On Patrick Nyarko scoring in Chicago:
“Yeah, it is kind of how soccer works, doesn’t it? You know he’s going to come back and get something…just like I am sure Pontius will get ahold of a goal against us. It seems like that’s how this league goes. I’m happy for him. I know he’s really proud of his time here in Chicago. I know the people have a lot of respect for him. But overall, a good night and looking forward to next weekend.”
On scoring on the set piece:
“We give them the freedom, Patrick [Nyarko] and Lamar [Neagle] to kind of switch sides depending on the match ups. I think they have as good as feel as I do on which guys maybe during that stretch of the game that they can get after them. I thought Harrington did a pretty good job on Patrick in the first half. We found a little bit more success on the other side in the second half. You know that Patrick keeps guys off balance and he creates set pieces. I thought Acosta did pretty well in those first minutes in that role for us. Rolfe had to get out of his comfort zone a little bit, and played selfless, and did a good job of that.”
On dominating possession in the second half and getting out of there with a point:
“I got to size up the game and week, and again, with a few guys out and a new formation, and the elements, I think we go home with a sense that this was a real group effort. And a gutsy performance. That is good. Yea, we would’ve liked to get three points on the road against teams that are still trying to find themselves. And they will. I know [the Fire] have a very good coach and have a lot of respect for him and I know he is going to get this place where he needs to be.”
