Chicago Fire head coach Veljko Paunovic
Overall thoughts on not getting the result you wanted…
I mean, we always learn from games like this. Whenever you lose, win or tie, there are always positives and negatives to take away from each match. I think the team did well, our defensive shape was good in the first half. We started well in the second half. We had a good chance to create an opportunity on their end and then they strike back. At first, we were a little bit knocked down by that but then I think we had a good comeback with the goal. It was a great team play and finish by Alan [Gordon] that gave us more energy. We showed character, we fought a good comeback which we’ve done in the past, showing that the team is capable of doing that. If we didn’t concede the third goal, we would have had more options by the end of the game to tie the game. That was unfortunate but that’s the way the game goes sometimes
On missing Nemanja [Nikolic] tonight...
We never give excuses. It's always an opportunity for the next guy and we had a great converter today with Alan [Gordon]. Of course, Nemanja [Nikolic] is important like all other guys that are injured or out, but for us, it is always who is ready and who is available. We always give support and never give excuses.
On Alan [Gordon] playing big in big game…
He’s playing and handling his role very well and he is giving us everything that we expected. We are very happy with his performance on the field, but also the guidance he gives to the young players. A lot of the young players that we have in our locker room and on the field, so he is playing his role fantastically.
On things they need to fix for their two-game home stretch…
There are always mistakes in a game where we can have a little more awareness. Sometimes we need to rest our defense and sometimes being a little bit sharper especially when we create more opportunities having more clarity. Just always improving every detail of the game. The players go home after a game like this get the experience and they get better. You just have to emphasize all together as a big game as a whole.
Chicago Fire midfielder Mo Adams
On his rookie season…
I think from me personally I knew it was going to be tough to get minutes right away. I have to compete against the likes of Dax [McCarty] and Bastian [Schweinsteiger] at my position. I think bringing more quality to the team especially with my stuff bringing the athleticism and energy, but at the same time just about being patient and just eventually waiting for the right time. Eventually, my time would come. Once I made my debut against Red Bull I knew if I gave a good performance I could maintain my position in the team for sure.
On playing with Bastian [Schweinsteiger] and Dax [McCarty]…
I learn something new everyday. They are very good teammates and leaders they are always talking to me about things that I am doing well. I have been having a great relationship with both of those guys.
On what the team needs to do to bounce back…
These next few you are going to have to win now. Where Philadelphia is in the table, you want to just on top of them, but it was not meant to be tonight. You just got to focus on the next one. Just try to get back to work this week. The one thing I have realized as a rookie especially in this league is that things change really quickly and that anybody can beat anybody, so there is not reason we can’t win these stretch of games.
Chicago Fire defender Brandon Vincent
On what the team needs to clean up…
We just have to take this game, learn from the mistakes we made, and look forward to a home game. We’ll analyze it, see what we did wrong and be better for it.
On the game…
We had some good chances, Philly had some good saves, so those fine lines make a difference.
On the team’s next game at home vs. San Jose…
We just need to win. It’s plain and simple. It doesn’t matter: pretty or ugly, whatever. We need three points at home.
