WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 25, 2004 – CHICAGO FIRE 1, CHARLESTON BATTERY 0
CHICAGO FIRE HEAD COACH DAVE SARACHAN
On the match:
"We're all exhausted, but we're thrilled to come out of here with a result. We're in another final and that's exciting for the group."
On playing at the Fire's former home of Benedetti-Wehrli Stadium:
"This is a tough Cup venue to play in. It was a scrappy game where the guys competed very well and they were pretty alert for most of the game because it was a one-play type of game, and fortunately for us we made that one play."
On anticipating the Open Cup Final on Sept. 22:
"We have to turn our MLS caps on for this Saturday, so we'll prepare for the Open Cup [Final] when we get closer to it. But we are happy to be in the Final."
CHICAGO FIRE GOALKEEPER HENRY RING
On the match:
"It was a long one. You don't see too many games throughout many seasons where you have a break for an hour and a half before you get to play the second half, but it was interesting.
On the play of the Battery:
"They were a good counterattack team. At their best they were sitting in and would receive the ball and break out some counter attacks. They had a couple of chances, but for the most part I thought Jimmy [Curtin], Evan [Whitfield], C.J. [Brown] and Orlando [Perez] did a fantastic job. They put out a whole lot of fires."
On the Fire's MVP of the night:
"Wow, that a tough one. I'd have to go C.J. [Brown] or Jimmy [Curtin], maybe both of them for co-MVP's."
CHICAGO FIRE FORWARD DIPSY SELOLWANE
On his second game-winning goal of the 2004 U.S. Open Cup:
"I anticipated the ball and fortunately it came over the defender and I was able to get my head on it."
On using his Open Cup goals to increase playing time:
"I don't look at it like that. I'm trying to use every opportunity I get on the field so fortunately it worked out today, and I'd like to do it in every other game."
On where the Fire needs to improve:
"All I can say is that we've got to do a little better on the finishing. The guys are trying, we've just to get the rhythm going and get used to hitting the net, and after that goals will come."
