LOS ANGELES GALAXY 3, D.C. UNITED 2
D.C. UNITED HEAD COACH PETER NOWAK
On the team's performance:
"This was not the D.C. United I knew, and as I said I'm going to blame myself because it is my job to prepare this team and I think tonight I did not. We had two days off on Sunday and Monday, and maybe it's too much for this team."
On whether the team was overconfident:
"I don't think so. You know, all the confidence if you play the game and you're still doing the little things we talked about. L.A. didn't win the game tonight; we lost the game because we didn't fight and we didn't run and we were too predictable and we're not creating enough. I think the goals we had tonight from set pieces, but there wasn't movement and we didn't create as many chances as we're supposed to do. I don't think it was overconfidence, except we weren't hungry tonight to score for this three points.
"We all thought it was going to be easy and I said to this team, 'The schedule is we're going to play on Wednesday against Dallas in the U.S. Open Cup' and I accept we're going to show what D.C. United is really about, because tonight I'm disappointed in myself, but I think it was not good enough for anybody."
D.C. UNITED GOALKEEPER NICK RIMANDO
On the game:
"We came into this game thinking we were going to work hard and play well tonight, just like the other night, but we did the exact opposite. We didn't finish our chances and didn't play well."
On the team's performance:
"I think everything was fine coming up to this game. You could say we were tired because we look tired out there and we didn't play like we know how to play. We for sure gave them the game today. We didn't play our best and the fans deserve more."
D.C. UNITED FORWARD JAIME MORENO
On the recent winning streak and game:
"We had a stretch like that a couple weeks ago - we got nine points. Everything is perfect until you lose. We're conscious that we just have to do better and that's all I can say. I'm not concerned at all, because it's just one of those games that don't go your way. Now, we just got to rest and think on Wednesday there's another important game."
On his goal being called back because he was offside:
"I didn't think I was off, but you know, that was the linesman's decision and I hope he was right, because if he's not, you know, it could have changed a lot, but who knows. It's done now."
D.C. UNITED MIDFIELDER JOSH GROS
On the game:
"We just made some mistakes and we scored a penalty kick and they come right down and score and that's just all in our heads. We have to stay sharp there, but I think we did all right and there's always next week."
On Wednesday's Open Cup game against FC Dallas:
"Dallas came in here and beat us 2-0 last time. They're a great team. They've got two of the best forwards in the league, so it's going to be another tough game. We don't get any breaks here. So, we're expecting a tough game, but it's important. It's an Open Cup game."
LOS ANGELES GALAXY HEAD COACH STEVE SAMPSON
On the importance of Saturday's win:
"[These were] three very important points for us. It comes at a very important time for us; our team has not won on the road in so very long. Leading up to the playoffs it's important that we play better and get results. I think coming out of here with three points against a very good D.C. United team that has won five out of the last six matches, it will give us an enormous amount of confidence going forward."
On his team's ability to respond to United's pressure:
"One of the things I really liked was the character of the team. We scored and D.C. responded and we were able to come back with our own positive response. That is the sign of a good team that does not get down after they are scored upon. Congratulations to my guys who showed the level of character we desperately needed."
On Landon Donovan's play throughout the game:
"I think he eased into the game; I would have liked it if he was more 'impactful' from the beginning of the game. This is a guy who has played a lot of soccer in the last few months. This is a guy who tends to pick and choose his moments. He can tend to make a defense fall asleep, so when he does make his run for it, it tends to be very productive, like that 1-v-1 breakaway that he could have put away. Before that we had not seen much of Landon Donovan. I think that was the emphasis that got him into the game. Once he missed that opportunity that motivated him to make a difference in the game."
On Donovan's missed goal on a breakaway:
"We are always surprised when he misses those opportunities, but it's the good players who put themselves in those positions a number of times tonight. If you look at his average number of goals per game versus minutes played with this team, he is white hot."
On the upcoming MLS game against Real Madrid:
"I think American players, of this league especially, is a league on the rise and any time these guys can get on the field and play international competition we fare well. I think our all-stars are going to do very well. Unfortunately it is not the most ideal preparation but once they get on the field and see the environment I think they will step up and play respectfully."
LOS ANGELES GALAXY GOALKEEPER KEVIN HARTMAN
On the road win:
"Obviously it's a long time coming, but I think that the passion with which this team plays, whether it is in practice or in games, has been something that is going to be the determining factor in getting those wins on the road. I think tonight we were unfortunate to be tied up twice, but to continue to fight, and battle, and be passionate with the effort we were giving, some great finishes, it was a great match. It [the game] really had a great atmosphere; the field was quick, challenges seemed pretty decent and it was great to be a part of. It's great to be back on a winning streak, on the road, and having that as an option. In the past it seems as if it wasn't even an option at certain points."
On the team's effort:
"I think that when, as a team, we are passionate about what it is that we do and when we stop making excuses for ourselves we are a lot better off. There are certain things that are in our control, and certain things that are out of our control. It is not in our control who goes in and plays with the national team, but it is in our control what type of effort we bring in on Saturday and how we take care of our bodies between Wednesday and Saturday. I have a lot of respect for the guys on the team to really be so selfless and to give a good 90- to 95-minute effort."
On guessing correctly on the penalty kick but still getting scored on:
"It's frustrating because the last three PK's [I've faced], they are not putting them in most places where they are savable. I got a touch to it, and anytime you get a touch to it you want it [saved]."
LOS ANGELES GALAXY FORWARD LANDON DONOVAN
On his second goal:
"I wanted to get into a good position so I ran into the box. Any forward can score on that; he just put a perfect ball in."
On the past week:
"Tiring week, it is always good to get two wins; hopefully we can get our third on Tuesday in Madrid."
On the play of Cobi Jones:
"He is a good soccer player, he has been around for a long time and he knows where the ball should go and he makes it happen. I know that if I make a good run and get in a good position he can find me."
On scoring the third goal quickly after United's goal:
"It's crucial. You don't want them to have 20 minutes to find the winning goal and get the crowd into it and the team into it. So, to come back and score it puts a nail in the coffin."
On having the opportunity to play against Real Madrid:
"It will be exciting. It will be more exciting once we get there. I am not excited about the travel and trying to get there, but stepping out on to the field is going to be really cool."
