HOUSTON DYNAMO 0, D.C. UNITED 0
HOUSTON DYNAMO HEAD COACH DOMINIC KINNEAR
On D.C. United's strategy:
"They came here intent to sit back and defend. They've had a tough schedule, and they came here playing for a tie and hoping for a win. I think if we get that first goal, it changes the game."
On failing to score:
"We didn't get many clear-cut chances tonight. The guys kept on trying. The field made it a little difficult for us as far as it being hard and bumpy. It was a frustrating night all around. The guys came out pretty well but just couldn't find that goal."
On Louis Crayton's possible handball:
"I think they got the benefit of a missed call, and that maybe could have changed the game a bit."
On the two-point lead in the standings:
"We're two points clear with a game in hand, so hopefully we get that won on Wednesday and create a gap."
HOUSTON DYNAMO DEFENDER EDDIE ROBINSON
On D.C. United's strategy:
"The way they came out and played made it difficult to play against them and to get a goal. We think that they accomplished what they wanted to tonight; we sure didn't. That being said, we still have a game in hand and need to try to win. So we are not worried about this; just disappointed we didn't get a few points, but all in all it was a good night."
About playing against 10 men:
"The last 15-20 minutes, with the red card, we were pushing trying to get long balls, balls in the box, and again that last little pass, that last little touch wasn't there."
HOUSTON DYNAMO FORWARD NATE JAQUA
On being shut out:
"The team they put out there, defensive-wise was a very good team. We were able to hold them to a minimum, but defensively, they played a good game. I think that we need to take a few more shots, create more chances, and that's how it's going to be the rest of the way, and it's going to be a hard fight."
On the Western Conference playoff race:
"I don't think that we necessarily feel the pressure, but we have a game on Wednesday against San Jose, we have to get ready for that, and they are going to be fighting too. It will be another battle, hopefully we get it done sharper and we take our chances."
D.C. UNITED COACH TOM SOEHN
On back-to-back road ties:
"It's a good turning point for us. We've gotten two results on the road, and now we go back home. Give credit to Houston, they're a good team. To get a result here, you know you have to defend hard. We were passionate about the way we defended, and knowing what it takes to get a result, so it was a real positive step for us, and our guys are really fighting for each other right now."
On the red card to Bryan Namoff:
"It's that time of the season when games are going to get hard and guys are competing hard. You don't want plays like that to determine outcomes. I just felt like it was soft in relation to how many of those there were during the game."
On his team's defense:
"They defended with passion tonight. We talked about what we needed to do now to get results, especially with the last four on the road. We're really coming out and giving ourselves a spark as far as how we're dedicated to coming out and getting behind the ball, making it hard for teams to score on us."
D.C. UNITED GOALKEEPER LOUIS CRAYTON
On the game:
"We came here for more than a tie, we cam to win here. Just like in past results, we didn't come here thinking we were going to lose this game. We came here prepared physically and mentally to win. But we still got a good result."
On physical play in the second half:
"When it started being physical, we retaliated. Not in a negative way, but we had to be strong because playing here is difficult. I'm very impressed with the way my team played here today, especially playing with one man down, we still played very well, and that is good."
D.C. UNITED DEFENDER BRYAN NAMOFF
On his red card:
"I jumped up before [Dynamo midfielder Brad Davis], and I was in the air and he kind of bent down. As he bent down, my momentum went with it, and then I saw the ball, the ball went over us, and as I was coming down, I put my arms up to brace myself, and I think that's when I made contact with his head. It was a completely accidental knock. Not allowing a 50/50 challenge at that point in the game with a 0-0 tie is a complete error. I don't think he even knew that I was already on a yellow card, which I don't even understand why I got it in the first place -- that first one. Say what you want, but I really don't understand why the referees need to try to dictate the games when they are so close instead of letting these types of challenges go. It was a good challenge, and if there's contact, fine. Call the foul and let the game resume."
On what referee Baldomero Toledo told him about the call:
"He said I made contact with my elbow to [Davis's] head. If I did, it was completely accidental. You could probably look at it by the tape. It's just one of those referees not managing the game, I guess. You get a game that's been playing so well throughout the course of the first half and into the second half, then when that happens, it ruins the game for both teams."
