MLS Regular Season
Chicago Fire (4-8-5, 17 points) 1:0 Sporting Kansas City (8-9-4, 28 points)
July 13, 2016 – Toyota Park
Veljko Paunovic, Chicago Fire Head Coach
On the impact of Michael de Leeuw
“On the way over here we were just talking about how important the goal was for us but Michael also mentioned how Sean Johnson saved us. Of course I would say that Sean also deserves to be here as one of the players who had a fantastic game. But that is what we were looking for, a guy who can score goals, a guy like Michael who will keep the work rate up for the team and the commitment to our style which is to be a good team that is tough to play and that is building and waiting for opportunities to take advantage of. It was something we were looking for and I think that Michael helps and fits perfectly for that. He proved himself of course and we look forward to seeing more of these performances, not only scoring goals but being committed with the team.”
On how de Leeuw changes how the team plays
“I think through the season we had a lot of guys trying to develop that role, a player who will be in the box and take advantage of crosses. I think we are one of the teams that has most crosses, one of the best of course. We need someone to score those goals and finish those opportunities. During the season we had Kennedy, who did not play today, but he is also doing a great job with four goals and his assists. He is also very important so today we are all happy because Michael decided the game. Sean, David, Razvan, Polster, everyone actually, Michael Harrington, everyone decided the game. We always work hard and keep that spirit and try to build it and make it from game to game even better. So today was Michael, fantastic job, congratulations, great debut. Tomorrow is going to be Kennedy, tomorrow is going to be David, tomorrow is going to be again Sean, Lampson, McLain. Everyone is important in our team and we have to know that. So far we understand that very, very well”
On the officiating
“First I would like to congratulate Kansas City, fantastic performance from there team too. I think they were pushing very hard and they actually pushed us to get the best from us. We were really on the edge and they did a fantastic game. As I said as a club we are not commenting on referee’s decisions so we move forward, we are looking at next game, which for us now is Dallas. Most importantly our next game, it might sound boring sometimes but it is always the same. Now keeping the good spirit we kept from the last couple of months. Playing at home especially we are playing well, winning games and now keep that focus, recover and you prepare for the next game.”
On sitting back and absorbing pressure
“I would say, if you remember from our conference call on Monday, I would say that they have that hard mentality. We are trying to achieve that level, they proved that and I think that we played a game that we expected was going to happen. What we could do better was in some moments they gave us the opportunity to keep the possession and they controlled the game which we couldn’t do. What was our alternative, our alternative and game plan was if we can’t keep the possession then we need to take advantage of the counter attack. That is what we tried and I think that was very obvious for anyone who watched the game that was our plan. So our team was more comfortable with defending and counter attacking and I think even in that we can do better. I think in the first half we did not take advantage of David being in that good spot to connect with him. Then in second half we switched the sides and we still couldn’t do that but that is the game. You have the team in front you that pushes hard and also wants to win but that soccer. I think also the defensive mentality that we had for sure decided this game.”
Michael de Leeuw, Chicago Fire Forward
On scoring his first goal with the Fire
"It's great. It was difficult, I thought we started good, but then I got a lot of long balls, and it's difficult with those two twin towers in the back. But, I think I managed it. If you can score in your first home game, that's always great. On the one goal, I couldn't miss that one. It was great from Brandon Vincent with the good ball to Razvan, and Raz gave a perfect assist. It was good."
On his confidence level
"The confidence is high because you score in your second game. I think I get my chances every game, so I think I can score always. I'm not going to say a number because that puts a lot of pressure on me, but I try to score every game, and if I get the chances I'm going to make goals."
On building chemistry with new teammates
"I think they know what kind of player I am, but I think we have to play more games so that they understand me and I understand them. You can train, but in the game, you always have different situations. But I think they know what kind of player I am. If I score goals, then they know, 'Okay, you have the ball in the box, give it to Michael.' That's what I have to show them."
Razvan Cocis, Chicago Fire Midfielder
On his game-winning assist
"It was an opportunity we explored. I saw a channel, I ran, Brandon Vincent put a good ball in that channel. The goal came because Michael was open in the box, I just passed to him and he scored. It was an opportunity that we took advantage of. It's good that we went up with that goal, and not conceded any."
On winning at home
"We try hard every game, home and away. So far, we feel more comfortable at home, as it seems. We have the supporters behind us that support us every game no matter what. That's one of the reasons, it gives us desire and willingness to do more for this club every time we play at home. Maybe it's for the home games. We're building this thing, we'll try to keep going on this road, especially at home, but we need to improve on our game also."
