MAJOR LEAGUE SOCCER QUOTE SHEET
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 9, 2004 - COLUMBUS CREW 1, METROSTARS 1
METROSTARS HEAD COACH BOB BRADLEY
General thoughts on tonight's game:
"The first half was poor, but we had a good response in the second half. We picked things up. The discussion at halftime was pretty simple. We hadn't come out strong enough. We weren't good enough with our passing and moving. We particularly didn't respond well after they scored. If there is a goal that comes that way you always want to see a team immediately respond strongly and get right back into it. We didn't do that at that point, but at halftime it was pretty clear that that needed to change. The second half was a pretty good step forward."
On Sergio Galvan Rey's start tonight:
"He's a good guy. He keeps coming in and working hard. It's important to keep trying to push him along. This week he knew he was playing tonight. He showed a good attitude all week long and he was going to try to take advantage of the opportunity. He wants to help the team so much."
On traveling to D.C. needing a point:
"With this team all year long we've tried to focus ourselves and look forward. We can't cry over points we didn't get. We're continuing to look forward. The positive was there was a good response in the second half. There were some pretty good performances tonight. Pablo Brenes played well. When we pushed him to left back he continued to attack and help us create things on that side of the field. That was nice to see. It was important to get Joselito (Vaca) back into our team and on the field. That is a start for him and now we have to push him along this week and see about getting more out of him next week. He needs the minutes right now."
METROSTARS MIDFIELDER PABLO BRENES
On the game:
"The game was pretty much even. We got a lot of chances to score but missed. I think we had more scoring opportunities than they did. If we do not score, then we lose. But luckily, we had more scoring opportunities and were able to get a tie out of the game."
On next week's game:
"I think it is very important for our motivation. We are in the playoffs, but in the meanwhile, we are going to have to establish a rhythm to carry us into the post season. If we have a good game against D.C. United, then we will take with us an advantage if we play them again. This is a very important motivational factor for us to have."
METROSTARS MIDFIELDER EDDIE GAVEN
On the game:
"We came out a little slow and gave up an early goal, but were able to pick it up a little in the second half and create some scoring opportunities. I think we are happy with a tie tonight and really look forward to next week's game against D.C."
On the D.C. game:
"It is definitely going to be an intense matchup. Last game against them was real physical and had a lot of penalties, and we won't expect anything less with us ahead of them by one point in the standings. In terms of getting home field advantage for the playoffs, this game is it. Knowing how last game against them went, we have to get one back on them. Not only does the winner get home field for the playoffs, but they'll have momentum, which is crucial especially since we will probably play each other in the first round."
METROSTARS MIDFIELDER SERGIO GALVAN REY
On what Bob Bradley said to the team at halftime:
"They had to change their attitude to play with more energy. They were doing the right thing in the first half, but they just needed a little more attitude in the second half."
On the play that set up the penalty kick:
"We came in from the left side in a pack and Eddie Gaven made a little move. They tripped him up, which gave me the opportunity to take that penalty."
On the penalty kick:
"I felt a huge responsibility. Huge. I have not been playing that much recently, but knew that I needed to score that goal. I have confidence in my play and thank God that I got an opportunity such as that."
On how it felt to score:
"I was 100 percent sure that I was going to make that. I had no insecurities and only felt that I would score as I approached the ball. There was never any doubt."
COLUMBUS CREW HEAD COACH GREG ANDRULIS
On tonight's performance:
"It was a good result for us tonight at a very tough place to play. We kept the streak going and were able to go on the road and get a point. We were able to get some minutes to some guys that needed them and that is going to benefit us in the playoffs."
On Cunningham tying Brian McBride on the all-time Crew goal scoring chart:
"It's great. I am happy for him. It just shows the quality of player he is. He's gutted it out for seven years here and it is a great thing for him. Hopefully he can break the record next week."
COLUMBUS CREW FORWARD JEFF CUNNINGHAM
On tonight's performance:
"It was a good result for the team. The team played well and worked hard for each other. It gives the coaches a tough decision heading into the playoffs, knowing whichever team he puts out there is going to get a result. Everyone is confident right now."
On tying McBride at the top of the Crew goal-scoring list:
"It is a great honor. It's been seven seasons with the team and it feels good to be able to leave my mark in Columbus."
COLUMBUS CREW MIDFIELDER BRIAN MAISONNEUVE
On tonight's performance:
"We all worked hard for each other and left it out on the field. We had a lot of new faces out there but the streak continues and we were able to get a lot of guys minutes. Our confidence is good, 17-game unbeaten streak, and we were able to rest some guys. It is exactly what we needed."
COLUMBUS CREW GOALKEEPER MATT JORDAN
On tonight's result:
"This result is a testament of the character of this team. We fought for the whole game. It doesn't matter whose out on the field we find a way to get the job done."
On his season and making his first appearance of the year:
"It's been a very difficult season. I give a lot of credit to the players and staff for getting me in a position to get on the field and help the team get a good result."
