10/25/09
| Postgame Quotes: Revs 1, Crew 0 |
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Postgame quotes after the New England Revolution defeated the Columbus Crew to qualify for the 2009 MLS Cup Playoffs.
| Taylor Twellman 2010/11 Home Replica Jersey |
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NEW ENGLAND HEAD COACH STEVE NICOL
On New England’s situation heading into tonight’s match:
“Obviously, we got some good results that went for us last night, but ultimately we had to get one today to qualify and we did. To come here in the last game of the season needing points was never going to be easy, but the guys showed great resolve tonight and we obviously want to play better but it was a fantastic free kick. Considering all the stuff and all the injuries we’ve had all season, first to get in the playoffs is huge, and the players should be very proud of themselves.”
On if he will focus on tonight’s performance with his club:
“It was about getting what was needed and that’s what we did. Obviously, if you play well it makes it easier, but who cares? We won the game one-nil and we’re in the playoffs.”
Thoughts about his team heading into the playoffs:
“Once you’re in, it’s anybody’s game. I said we’ve had massive injuries this season, but there’s only been a couple of occasions during the season when we’ve been outplayed. Going into the playoffs, I’m sure there’s not too many teams desperate to play us, because they’re going to get a tough game.”
NEW ENGLAND MIDFIELDER JEFF LARENTOWICZ
On the importance of his first goal of the season in such a crucial match:
“If we had tied, we would have gone through and I think that the defense was playing well enough as it was. The guys have been great all year and we held them to minimal chances and Matt [Reis] was strong and the goal just really kind of put it all together.”
NEW ENGLAND DEFENDER JAY HEAPS
On the performance of the Revolution defense tonight:
“We knew that their service is always good. It cost us a week ago on that ball in-between that [Crew defender Gino] Padula put in and then with [Crew midfielder Guillermo Barros] Schelotto coming in tonight, the service they put in is one of their weapons. I think it was important to not foul – we fouled a little bit too much tonight – but that’s going to happen because of the intensity of the game. Overall, I think we did a good job.”
COLUMBUS HEAD COACH ROBERT WARZYCHA
His overall thoughts on the game:
“I think if you lose a game, you can also learn from it. For example, today I think we found that if we’re not going to play as hard as we’re capable of playing, the game’s going to slip away. We found out if we don’t finish our chances, the game can slip away. We have to be sharp in front of the box, we have to score goals and leave the other teams behind.”
On his preference for a first round opponent in the playoffs:
“Whoever we’re going to face, they’re going to do everything they can to win the game against us, whether it’s Salt Lake or Colorado. Coming into this game, I said we have to respect the game and play the way it should be played, because it would be easy to just throw the game away; but I don’t think we threw the game away, it was just New England wanted it more and they scored off a beautiful free kick.”
COLUMBUS MIDFIELDER ADAM MOFFAT
On tonight’s loss:
“We’re not taking the momentum into the playoffs that we’d like to, but we’re capable of beating anyone. We want to win every game, but at the end of the day, they’re battling for their season right there and I think we’re the better team, but it was just unfortunate.”
COLUMBUS GOALKEEPER KENNY SCHOENI
On New England’s goal:
“It was a very well struck shot; he hit it clean, he hit it hard. I think if I’d been a little bit further to the left, I would have gotten a cleaner read on it. I was a little slow to react and that’s what I fault myself with for that.”
COLUMBUS MIDFIELDER BRIAN CARROLL
On the team’s outlook going forward:
“I thought we fought, we tried our best to win the game, it just didn’t work out for us that way tonight. It was still special to celebrate the Supporter’s Shield with the fans and accept that trophy for two years in a row, but now that’s over and every team’s on an even playing field and we need to prepare for the playoffs accordingly.”
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