Gregg Berhalter, Columbus Crew SC Head Coach
On the mood of the team and general thoughts on the game
“It’s disappointment, great disappointment. We had high expectations this season and it’s plain and simple, we didn’t meet those expectations and we’re disappointed. I told the guys, it wasn’t about tonight’s game. If we would have had that type of intensity, that type of effort all season, we would be having a different conversation. But the game today, the first half was according to plan. We wanted to be compact, we wanted to create some transition moments and we got our goal that way. We were able to absorb some pressure by Chicago and play a controlled game. The second half, give the Chicago coach a lot of credit, he brought in a substitute that made a big difference. The big guy up top was able to hold the ball and was a big part of their first goal and he gave us trouble. I think we responded well but it was too little too late.”
On what he’s looking for from the players over the remaining games
“I think we’re going to continue to play our game, we’re going to continue to put forth a professional effort and we’ll most likely look at some new faces, give some guys who haven’t had much playing time some game time. It’s been a tough year and the guys have stuck together and some guys deserve to get some minutes.”
On the decision to not use Ola Kamara
“He was injured. We put him on the lineup sheet just to put him there but he wasn’t available for selection.”
On the play of Adam Jahn
“Since we traded for him, Adam has come and made a big difference, a big impact. I’m really happy for Adam. Sometimes players need new situations and he’s come in here, embraced the way we play, given a great effort in training and it’s nice to see a player rewarded like that, and he certainly was tonight with two goals.”
Justin Meram, Columbus Crew SC Midfielder
On trying to score the winning goal late in the game
"Everyone put their heart on the line right there. They gave it everything they had. We tried to get the last one because we knew it would keep us alive. There were a lot of great chances that were just unlucky. The wrong bounce or you have a choice to make a run near post or far post and it was just opposite. But we left it all on the field. The fans, everyone should be proud."
On connecting with Jahn early in the game:
"It was good. I think we need to finish off the other chances in the first-half and we would end the game right there. But it's unfortunate we didn't."
On finishing the season strong against both New York teams
"Finish up the season strong. We know we're out of the postseason right now. We're not going to give up. We have two games and we're going to respect the fans, it's a great club and we're going to go out and play the game."
On Adam Jahn's performance
"Adam is a great addition to this club. He's a really dynamic player. I'm very happy to see him succeed. Any time a player moves to a team during the season he's been given a chance to get a fresh breath of air and he's really taken advantage of it. He's doing excellent for us. Two fantastic goals for him. He really fits the system well. All around he's a fantastic player."
On his 100th career start with Columbus
"Playing for this club has been a great part of my life. I've been living in Columbus probably the longest anywhere in the second part of my life. I'm very thankful for this opportunity to play for such a great club. It's bittersweet that has to end this way. There are more good years to come for this club and we will see what the future holds. Just blessed all in all to represent this club. Playing for one club presents me with a loss for words for many different reasons. Just thankful."
Adam Jahn, Columbus Crew SC Forward
On the own goal ruining the Crew's momentum
" I think they came out well in the second half and we didn't really match up. I think it took those two goals to wake us up a little bit. And then that urgency we had in the last 20 minutes was great."
On being so close to scoring a third goal
"It was all we could do is put ourselves in the position to win but unfortunately those last 10 minutes we couldn't find a winner."
On his first goal
" Justin got the ball and he is great on the turn running at their defenders. I just pulled out wide and all you had to do was chip over them. It was a nice pass. I took a few touches. I think Sean [Johnson] was thinking I was going to go near post so I just put it through his legs."
On his second goal
"It was one of those goals where you don't have enough time to think. Your instincts take over, your subconscious takes over. Not much conscious thought."
On getting a new start in this second half of the season
"I have been really pleased so far with my time here. I think it's a professional environment, the people are great and they make me feel at home. I think I've gotten loads better within these last few months so I'm really excited to see what the future holds. But I'm grateful for this opportunity."
On using the team's last 20 minutes of fight against New York teams
"Gregg's talk tonight after the game was just about that if we had the same urgency throughout the whole season, we wouldn't be in this position. Watch out these next two games, I think we're going to get six points."
