COLUMBUS CREW 4, METROSTARS 2
METROSTARS HEAD COACH BOB BRADLEY
General thoughts on tonight's game:
"The main thing that we did tonight was score two goals, and then immediately lose our concentration and allow them to come right back and score. That is a killer in a game. You are on the road, both times you take the lead, and then you give it up that fast."
On the play of Cornell Glen:
"Cornell did very well coming off the bench for us last week. He gives us a real spark with his speed. We were hopeful tonight. When we were making the sub, it was during that brief moment when we were up 2-1, and I certainly felt that if Columbus feels they need to take more chances, his speed might be a good factor to help us get the third goal. But obviously that didn't materialize."
On the play of the Columbus forwards, particularly Edson Buddle:
"I think we allowed them a little too much time on the ball, and we didn't close down their forwards like we needed to. Anything a guy gets four goals, you are allowing him too many opportunities. He [Edson Buddle] is a dangerous guy, and we know that coming into the game. In terms of closing him down and making certain plays we didn't do a good enough job."
METROSTARS GOALKEEPER JONNY WALKER
Thoughts on the game:
"I think that we were a little lax in the beginning of the game, but things picked up. I think that it was an opportunity that slipped away today. Fortunately for us it was in a game that was very important, but not the end of the road. To have a match like this in your hands, with the playoffs on the line, and then give it up hurts. But I think we are going to take this, channel it, and we will be back."
On how the team is going to come back after the loss:
"It should be interesting next week. We are scoring goals, but we are also giving up goals. We need to find the happy middle. We are slowly cutting down our mistakes to where they need to be for the playoffs, so fortunately for us this is no the last game before the playoffs. We have four weeks to prepare for what is the most important part of the season, the playoffs."
METROSTARS FORWARD JOHN WOLYNIEC
On the feeling of the team after taking the early lead:
"I thought we were in good shape. I definitely didn't think it was over, but I think we felt confident. I think what hurt us, was how quickly they came back and scored on us. It takes all the wind out of your sails, and it took us a whole half to get it back. Then once we got it back, they did it again. So mentally that really hurt us, especially because we were on the road."
On giving up two leads:
"Each time we scored, they were determined to get it right back, and we didn't do enough to hold down the fort. I thought we should have learned our lesson after the first one. It was disappointing to get the lead for a second time, and then to give it right back just as fast."
