COLORADO RAPIDS 1, COLUMBUS CREW 1
COLORADO RAPIDS HEAD COACH TIM HANKINSON
On getting 90 minutes for a number of his reserve players:
"The fact of the matter is, with the health situation of the rest of our team you might have been looking at our starting lineup this Friday. We don't have any guarantees that Pedro (Peguero) or Spencer or any of these guys are going to be healthy for Friday, so it was good to get the rest of these guys out there for 90 minutes."
On playing Los Angeles:
"It really doesn't matter who we play. It is about our game, getting guys healthy and trying to play to the best of our ability at this time of the year. L.A. is a good matchup for us, we have three draws and a tough loss to them, and I think that our personnel matches up well with theirs."
On his team's performance:
"Win, lose or draw, I think the players played a good game tonight, with the 'three amigos' (Beckerman, Cila and Trembly) in the center of the park, they did a really good job, and I was really happy with Alberto (Delgado)'s play up front, he created a lot of havoc and of course earned the penalty for us in the second half, and that is about as much as you can ask from him tonight."
COLORADO RAPIDS MIDFIELDER JORDAN CILA
On playing the Galaxy in the playoffs:
"We want L.A. because they are the only team that we haven't beaten this year so we have something to prove. We thought that we let a couple slip away from us against them at home, so we're looking forward to playing them."
"We pride ourselves on being a deep team and when guys get hurt we battle through it. We just took a point off the hottest team in the league right now, and I think that we're the only team that Columbus didn't beat this season, so we can take some pride in that. That's how we've played all year. We really haven't had a full squad all season, but that doesn't stop us from competing and playing our game."
COLORADO RAPIDS DEFENDER MATT CRAWFORD
On the team's play:
"We were pretty pleased with the way we played, not exactly with the result we definitely wanted to get a win and go into the playoffs with some momentum. But, having said that, being down 1-0 at halftime we were happy to get the goal and get the draw."
On facing off against the Galaxy in the postseason:
"I think a match up with L.A. will be good for us. I think we have had three ties with them this so far year. We have shown that we can beat them if we play some solid defense and score some goals."
COLORADO RAPIDS MIDFIELDER CHRIS HENDERSON
On the result:
"As far as we knew we had to get at least a tie, so I think we battled back. We made a mistake to lose a goal, but I think that with the group we had out there, I think that we showed we have some depth. And now we just have to work on getting our guys healthy."
COLUMBUS CREW HEAD COACH GREG ANDRULIS
On the 18-game unbeaten streak and the Supporters Shield:
"It is great for the organization and the supporters, certainly for the players finishing a great undefeated streak on the road will help us a lot heading into next weekend's game against New England. The guys grinded it out tonight again showed their determination and their character."
On Duncan's goal:
"Great ball by Danny (Szetela) and a great run by Kyle (Martino) that froze (Joe) Cannon at the front post. It was a terrific play all around and Duncan's finish was a good one."
On the result:
"To give up a penalty kick for a point is unfortunate, but then again [it] shows the character of the team."
On the two-game series against New England:
"There aren't any secrets amongst us. We have played each other four times and they are a very dangerous team. We had some good games this year and we are going to be a bit better than what we have been in the last weeks but I think we can turn it on and get after them."
COLUMBUS CREW MIDFIELDER DUNCAN OUGHTON
On the game:
"It wasn't our best performance tonight. We wanted to get a result, keep the streak alive and I guess we should be happy to win the Supporters Shield"
On his goal:
"It was a good buildup play an then a good ball by Danny Szetela. Kyle (Martino) got in front of his man near post. I did a little swing with my right foot and I tucked it in nicely with my shin."
On going into the playoffs:
"We have to forget the rest of the season, keep positive and roll into next week. We are going to go out there and try to get a result next week. Hopefully a win, but get a result on the road. Play them hard!"
COLUMBUS CREW DEFENDER DANNY SZETELA
On the team's performance:
"It is good we tied the game, we were looking for the win but we got the tie and we are still 18 games unbeaten, so it stays on the records. Now we have to put all of these on the side and focus on the playoffs."
On his first career assist:
"Felt good. More than getting my first assist I was happy that we got the goal. I don't care about the assists, I try to put that aside and just keep playing the game."
COLUMBUS CREW MIDFIELDER KYLE MARTINO
On the unbeaten streak and winning the Supporters Shield:
"In the short time that I've been here I've seen a lot of variety of play and this has been the most outstanding regular season that we've had. It's all going to be kind of sour if we don't follow up with the MLS Championship. Everything that we've done is something to be happy about and realize it's been a tremendous achievement. That being said it's still short without the MLS Cup."
On the goal:
"I just ran to the goal and Danny put a great ball. I did a diving header and I missed it and I turned around and it was in the net. I had to see the replay first. It was a tremendous goal from Danny and Duncan."
On the team's mentality heading into the playoffs:
"Everyone is on the same level going into the playoffs. New England, who has had a disappointing season has just as good a chance of going into MLS Cup. We need to make sure that we come with more intensity than we did in the regular season and we'll win the cup."
