COLUMBUS CREW 1, D.C. UNITED 0
COLUMBUS CREW HEAD COACH SIGI SCHMID
On the game:
"Obviously, we're happy to get three points. I think we've played well at times and there's been times when we've deserved something and didn't necessarily get the maximum. So for us to get three points tonight was very important and at this point, with six points, we're still in contact with everyone we want to be in contact with."
On Ezra Hendrickson:
"Ezra's just a tremendous competitor. There's nobody who's more intense or wants to win a game more. He has a tremendous work ethic. When you see a guy like him score a goal to get us our first win, it makes you feel good. I'm happy for him."
On this season versus last:
"We're definitely better than we were last year. We've been in every game and we're finding a way to not beat ourselves. I thought the effort tonight was superb. As long as we are maintaining that fighting spirit, we give ourselves a chance in every game, and that's something these guys have done very well for each other."
COLUMBUS CREW DEFENDER EZRA HENDRICKSON
On the game-winning goal:
"It was all instinct. I played to Ned [Grabavoy] in the middle and then just made my run. My first shot wasn't so good, but luckily the ball came right back to me and I was able to score."
On the rain delay:
"We were able to keep warm and stretch in the locker room, so we were ready when we came back out. Fortunately, we were able to withstand their pressure for the last few minutes and close the game out with the win."
COLUMBUS CREW MIDFIELDER NED GRABAVOY
On the team's improvement from last season:
"Of course, we don't like to think about last season too much, but I think we are definitely playing better. We have to get points at home, and then try to pick up wins and ties on the road. We created some chances in our early games, which gave us confidence, but we were glad to finally get the win."
D.C. UNITED HEAD COACH TOM SOEHN
On the game:
"Overall, I think our team performance was better. Unfortunately, the result was the same. It is back to work. Overall as a team, we defended better. Are there still things to work on? Absolutely. It was a step in the right direction as far as what we did defensively. We have a lot to work on."
On the goal:
"It was a giveaway. That is what has been punishing us. We had a lot less of it today. We still had one. Give them credit, they took advantage of it."
On Justin Moose:
"Moose has looked good all week. I thought we would give him a chance. He energized the game when he came in."
D.C. UNITED GOALKEEPER TROY PERKINS
On the second half:
"We were on them for the last 20 minutes (before the delay). All they were looking for was counters. They wanted to pack everyone in and kick the ball out. With only six minutes to go, we had to high press and see what we could get."
On United's losing streak:
"If this happened in the middle of the season, it would be different. We haven't got a win yet. We have given up seven goals in three games. It is tough to sleep at night. It is not a good environment to set for these guys."
D.C. UNITED FORWARD JAIME MORENO
On United's play in the second half:
"The second half we had the urgency to come out and maybe tie the game. We didn't create many clear chances, but at least we had the ball more. We just have to play as a team. Right now, we're not playing as team. We need to keep believing that it will turn around."
