Head Coach Adrian Heath

On his feelings after the game against LAFC…

“We didn’t get what we deserved, I don’t think we did in Portland. As I said to the players after the game, we’ve had three really big games. I think we played really well in all three games and haven’t had the rewards that we get. Positives to take are the performance individually and collectively and a point gained. We’ve got three games left. If we win two of the games, that’ll probably put us in the top four. Another win might put us in the playoffs. Before the season started, that was the aim. Now, we’ve got ourselves in a position where we’ve got to go and win at least one of the games that we’ve got left.”

On the challenges Sporting Kansas City will present…

“Everybody knows I’ve got a tremendous admiration for Peter Vermes. What he’s done in a market similar size to ours has been extraordinary. It’s just never been easy for us in Kansas [Sporting Kansas City]. We managed to go there a couple of years ago in the playoffs and win 3-nil. Apart from that, we haven’t played well there, so it’s going to be an important game for us. They look as though, if you look at their results of the last, sort of, month, they’ve picked up a lot of points. It’s going to be tough but a game we can win if we play well.”

On losing and gaining key players ahead of the next game…

“I think we need everybody. We’re at that stage in the season where every player is going to be valuable to us. To be without one of your best players [Emanuel Reynoso] is never ideal. I thought it was a silly booking and we’ve had too many of them this year but hey, it’s next man up. Fraga’s [Franco Fragapane] back. Let’s go and see how we do.”

On the second half versus LAFC after changing shape at halftime…

“I couldn't fault the guys for their effort and their energy the other night. Under such a quick turnaround from a game where we did everything we could in Portland, to play like we did against the league leaders, if you like. Them [LAFC] and I think Philly [Philadelphia Union] have been the sort of standard bearers of both conferences. To play the way we did and to come out with only a point was disappointing but I couldn’t be any more than but pleased for the players.”

On Brent Kallman’s goal and his placement on the bench for the Team of the Week…

“Brent, whenever we’ve asked him, he’s always come up. He’s really, he’s a threat from set pieces. I don’t think we have enough threats from set pieces at times. Rey’s [Emanuel Reynoso] quality was really good the other night. We keep imploring the guys to make their runs and attack the ball, and Brent did that and he got his reward.”

Defender Brent Kallman

On scoring the only goal against LAFC and snapping the losing streak…

“It felt really good. Every time there’s an attacking set piece, I have the belief that it’s going to come my way, so I try to stay ready. It came in my area, I was able to make a play. I suppose it was an important goal for the result but also maybe to get us rolling now. We hadn’t scored in a while so maybe that’ll kinda kickstart something.”

On the upcoming match versus Sporting Kansas City…

“Historically, a very tough place for us especially. Everything is close. Every game has so much meaning behind it. It’s kind of fortunate that everybody in that region has played each other. We’re not trying to rely on everybody else. We want to go and take control of our own destiny. Every point available is massive so getting a result in [Sporting] Kansas City could go a long way.”

On his feelings after having more games under his belt after initially stepping in…

“Yeah, way better. Way better physically and my form, my playing form. I’m seeing the pictures better. I feel like I’m taking up better positions. I figured it could come with game time and it’s heading the right direction.”

On what’s most dangerous about Sporting Kansas City…

“Their spacing is always so good. They play on a big field so when they have the ball, they’re good at keeping it. They spread you out. They have good players in the attacking spaces like you just mentioned, Johnny Russell. Guys that can punish you. It’s tough. It’s definitely a lot different than going to Portland [Timbers] where they let you kind of have the ball. Sporting [Kansas City] will probably look to dictate a lot more. It’s a much different opponent. It’ll be a different style of game but we should be prepared.”

On being on the bench for Team of the Week…

“I don’t care. I’m just going to keep that going… I don’t care.”