Head Coach Caleb Porter
Opening statement
[It was a] Tough result. I thought we did quite a few good things in the game. We played a rotated group. They [D.C. United] didn’t have many chances. That is, I think, the biggest disappointment. They score on a deflected goal on really the one chance they had in the first half, and [when] you give up a goal on the road, life becomes a lot more difficult. But, I did think that the group that we played did a lot of good things. We had a lot of the ball, we executed up until the final third. Obviously, we missed some crosses. [It’s] disappointing to not score a goal. I thought we defended overall pretty well. It was a tight game, which is what you want on the road. You want to make it a tight game, and with the group that we played, I thought we were in around it, and we had a good chance to get something out of the game. We just fell short. So, we have to put it behind us quick. We know we’ve got a fresh group to come back and throw everything into Philadelphia [Union] at home in the next game. We’ve got to rest well, travel back, get to sleep and go again starting tomorrow.
On conceding the first goal on the road and what improvements can be made by the team for their next road match
Obviously, the facts are the facts. So, we’ve conceded the [first] goal on the road, I think in some games we start a little slow. I don’t think we started slow today. I think we came out, we got on the ball and I think we were smart early in the game. It wasn’t like they [D.C. United] were pinning us back or getting chances or we were up against it at all. I think just the disappointment is just to give up the goal on a deflected kind-of shot on really the first time they broke us down. So, sometimes you’re unlucky and I thought we were a little bit [unlucky] with that goal - it was against the run. Yet, I thought, again, we did a lot of good things. You’ve got to remember who’s playing, you’ve got to remember it’s not going to be perfect. But, we came on the road, we had a good plan and I thought we followed through with it. We just got broke down for the one goal, you know, and sometimes that’s the difference in a soccer match.
[It was] disappointing that we couldn’t find a goal either because I sure thought we would … but that happens as well. You’re either going to give up the goal or score the first goal, it’s a 50/50 [chance] every game. You’ve got to remember that, too. We obviously have to do better, have to do better in getting that first goal on the road. So we’ll keep working on it, but I didn’t think we started slow today. I thought we came out and looked good. I thought we looked good. It was just unlucky to give away that first chance and give up a goal on the first chance that they had.
On how to evaluate performances when there is change to the lineups
I think you evaluate it a lot less when you rotate. You’re looking at individuals who did well. This game always was going to set up the Philadelphia [Union] game. I’m disappointed we didn’t get a result out of it. I do think there are a lot of positives; I told the guys that. We still, with a rotated group, looked like us for the most part without - for me - not enough precision and cutting edge in the final third. But in terms of playing out, we played out the back, we had the ball, we had good control and we were organized defensively. You really, other than the goal, can’t think of another real clear chance they [D.C. United] had… a couple of set pieces.
Again, there are a lot of positives, but I don’t think it’s going to be one [match] where we dissect and go through a ton because at the end of the day, we’re going to put our best foot forward with our top lineup in the last three games. Ultimately, that was what this game was about: giving some guys a run, coming up with a plan where we can get something out of the game, which I think we had a good plan and for the most part, that showed up today. We had four or five crosses that we missed and for me, and that’s a real disappointment for me because they’re balls you just have to slide across. [Chris] Cadden had a great one [cross] into Krisztian [Nemeth] that was really good; just missed it over the goal. But we needed more, for sure, needed more of that. I think we’ll put it behind us. We take a lot of positives with some of the individual performances. I thought Waylon Francis did extremely well. I thought Chris Cadden had a good game. I thought Krisztian Nemeth was definitely a better performance for him and he’s shown us he’s got some good things that he can bring to the game. I could go on, but those are some guys that for me stand out today; those three guys.
Defender Waylon Francis
On what can be improved from the team’s recent road performances
It’s just little details that we need to work on. That is very important to us. We know that if we want to win MLS Cup, we need to work on those small details on the field. That’s the way that we can keep improving every single game.
On his return to match play after an extended absence
It was a great feeling for me, for my family, for all the people that have been around me and preparing me. It’s been a year and a half since playing an official game, so for me, it’s very important, and it’s good that I’m back to help this team.
On his performance during the match
It’s been a long time without playing 90 minutes, but I do the best that I can on the field to help my teammates. Unfortunately, we couldn’t win this game, but now it’s over and we have to [turn] the page to the next game and just keep focused. We need to keep winning the last three games that are coming.
Forward Krisztian Nemeth
On how DC United’s defensive pressure affected the match
We knew before the game that it was going to be a difficult and physical game. After they scored, they played simple soccer: try to defend and then put the ball behind our defense. I think we did a great job after that. We tried to push it. I think we deserved more tonight. We created some chances, but in the final third, we have to be more clinical.
On his comfort level in the match after last Saturday’s performance
I think we played better in this game than the Houston [Dynamo] one. For me, it’s a process. I know I have to be patient with myself because I didn’t play for a long time. I think I was involved more and had more touches and was connected with the team more than in the Houston game. For me, it’s all still coming and a process, but I can do better for the team to score goals.
On how the returns of Darlington Nagbe and Lucas Zelarayan change Crew SC
They’re our best players, and it’s a big help for them to come back. They’re going to be ready for the playoffs. I think it’s most important now to be ready for the playoffs - mentally and physically, all the players. We have to be sharp, and I believe we have a squad to do some big things in the playoffs.
