Head Coach Adrian Heath
On the defensive performances the past few games…
“Our defensive shape’s been excellent. I’m sure the back four have had a lot of positives said about them. I’d say the people in front of them have helped as well. The midfield four, the front two worked really hard. We created an awful lot of chances at the weekend and hopefully we can start to put them chances away and give the defense a little bit of respite, because at the moment, we’re one mistake away from giving ourselves a bit of an issue. But, overall, I was pleased with a lot of stuff at the weekend.”
On what a goal scored does to the confidence of strikers…
“You hope so. I think Luis [Amarilla] went on a little run last year and hopefully he can get a goal on the weekend and kickstart his season because we’re going to need some goals from the front few over the next few months.”
On if the Vancouver Whitecaps game Saturday night will be a revenge match…
“I don’t know about revenge and all. We’ve had a couple of good results there [Vancouver] over the last few years; it’s been a kind venue to us. So, let’s hope it continues. I think they’re playing really well at the moment. I thought they were very unfortunate at the weekend not to win the game. It’s always going to be tough there. They have some good attacking pieces, you know Brian White, obviously [Ryan] Gauld as well, Julian Gressel. So, they’ve got some good weapons. It’s always tough and I don’t expect anything different this weekend.”
On approaching the quick turnaround for U.S. Open Cup match versus Philadelphia Union…
“Obviously, we’ll concentrate on Vancouver and then see where we are, see if we need to freshen it up for the Tuesday. All our thoughts will be on Vancouver first.”
Goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair
On the collective defense against a strong FC Dallas offense…
“We knew that they could be dangerous on the counterattack with their front three and, it was just about the preventative marking when we had the ball and being aware of the spots they were in. We managed them to just two shots on target, so it was a great defensive performance from all the guys around. I think even from the top, early in the first half, Luis [Amarilla] made that big run back and really set the tone for the whole team for the game.”
On having only conceded three goals on the road…
“I think it’s having the mentality of being tough to beat and not beating ourselves and giving teams opportunities and try to limit them and play to our strengths. We know we have a good shape. It’s very hard for teams to break us down, so it’s about staying in that shape and forcing them to try and force balls in tight areas and things like that.”
On the group response and moving forward after a disappointing result against FC Dallas…
“We take the positives away from the game. Getting a clean sheet is always a positive to not allow the other team to really put their grip on the game. We know we had chances and, unfortunately, we didn’t put them away, but we have belief that guys can do it at the next available option. It’s about continuing to believe in them and continue to give them confidence as well.”
On revenge against the Vancouver Whitecaps after a chaotic match in March…
“Definitely chaos. I think back to even the last game of the season last year when we took their playoff hopes away, and I’m looking forward to getting another result there. I think I had an assist last time we played there so if I can help the team and get that. Most importantly, we want to get three points. Anytime I play against any of the Canadian teams, I have that extra chip on my shoulder especially against Vancouver, someone that’s in our conference. I’m looking forward to, hopefully, getting a clean sheet and more importantly, coming away with three points.”
