COLUMBUS SPORTING DIRECTOR AND HEAD COACH GREGG BERHALTER
On the match:
“I thought it was a decent game for both teams. We came into the game very well. I thought we had a good first half. The first five minutes in the second half could have been better. We gave the ball away too much in spots that led to corner kicks or throw-ins deep in our end. Unfortunately, we paid for that. After the goal, we got together and we played okay and I am pleased with the result.”
On tactical adjustments:
“We wanted to focus on our defensive shape and how we were defending against their centerbacks. I thought in the first half we were high with two and we wanted to be high with only one. We adjusted a little bit in the second half and we wanted them to play balls into the midfield so we could potentially win them there.”
COLUMBUS FORWARD DOMINIC ODURO
On their attacking philosophy:
“We tried as hard as possible to get behind them, which I thought we did a great job with. We tried hard to get the timing right and keep the ball. It’s just unfortunate that they came strong in the second half. But overall, I thought the game plan went well. We did what we had to do. At this point, we will take the point.”
On second-half shot hitting the crossbar:
“From my end, it looked like the ball was dipping. I thought it was a goal, but the goal post is always the goalies friend. I think the goalies friend helped them out.”
COLUMBUS GOALKEEPER STEVE CLARK
On team’s mindset moving forward:
“I’m disappointed that we let them come from behind and I’m disappointed that we gave up a set-piece goal. Moving forward, it’s a point on the road, but we look to continue to get better. We will continue to do the little things right. We will work on just getting better as a team and we want to defend better on our set pieces and not give those up.”
On defensive assignments:
“Our instructions don’t usually change. We know who Wondo is. I wasn’t really concerned too much with San Jose in the run of play. It was more on set pieces and it’s unfortunate to prepare for something and have them beat us anyway, but credit to them.”
SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES HEAD COACH MARK WATSON
On result:
“I was a little disappointed with our start again. That’s something we normally do a better job, starting a game with a lot of energy and jumping all over teams. That’s something we’ll have to address. I thought the guys responded well after the break. We sorted a few things out in the locker room, and I thought they responded well to get us back in the game.”
On Yannick Djalo:
“[Yannick Djalo] had 45 minutes and I thought he did well. He gave us that spark and has that bit of quality that I think we need. He has pace to go past people; I thought he was part of the bright start to our second half.”
On JJ Koval:
“He shows the maturity of a guy who’s been in the league for 10 years. He’s a good athlete, has a good understanding of the game tactically and has a good head on his shoulders. I think he’s played right back twice in his life and they were both with us, without preparation. He’s always adapted well.”
SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES FORWARD CHRIS WONDOLOWSKI
On goal:
“Shea [Salinas] whipped in a great ball, got it over to the near post and I was able to flick it in. It’s easy to finish chances when you get service like that. I have to give credit to Shea on that one for playing a great ball in.”
On result:
“We have to stop putting ourselves in holes. The game definitely opened up and turned into a bit of a track meet, but had some chances. We’re not content with anything less than three points.”
SAN EARTHQUAKES ROOKIE JJ KOVAL
On playing rightback:
“I got to play rightback a bit at the MLS Combine, so this is maybe my second time playing there. I’m just happy to get on the field to provide some energy and contribute however I can. It was great to get that goal and earn a tie.”
On versatility:
“My mentality from the beginning has been to work hard in training and contribute in any way possible to help the team. Whether I’m playing center mid, rightback or centerback, I’m here to work hard to do whatever I can to help the team win.”
