Quotes: Portland Timbers at New York Red Bulls
Portland Timbers Quotes
Head Coach John Spencer
On today’s performance:
“I felt that we had a really, really good performance from us today. I felt that we never showed them any respect, whatsoever. It was really unfortunate not to tie the game up 1-1 with two balls that hit the crossbars within 60 seconds.”
On the flow of the game:
“I think that we started the game so well. Then, we made a couple of mistakes that changed the momentum of the game. Obviously they got a grip of it going into halftime. We made a couple adjustments at halftime and I thought we started the second half ever so well and caused them problems.”
On Portland’s chances for the playoffs:
“I can’t fault them today, I thought that effort was unbelievable. The game’s been taken down and I think if we show that sort of effort, enthusiasm, and desire we won’t be far and away from getting into the playoffs.”
Midfielder Jack Jewsbury
On the game:
“I don’t think the travel is an excuse. Every team goes through that on a weekly basis. We’ve had a good run as of late. We felt confident coming in. I thought we started the game real well and put them on their heels. A little bit throughout the first half, they started to take control. We came in at halftime down a goal, but still felt we were definitely in it. In the second half I thought we were banging on the door to get that tying goal. Next thing you know, the penalty is called and all of a sudden we’re down a man. Down two goals and a man is tough anyway, especially away from home.”
On the penalty:
“I had a pretty good angle, but I haven’t seen a replay so I don’t want to talk too much about it. The ball was banging around in there. The first one comes off somebody; I thought it was a shoulder, not real clear. Like I said, I haven’t looked at a replay, but no whistle and then they get a second chance and it goes wide. Next thing you know the whistle is blown for a PK and a red card. Like I said before, that was kind of a shock to all of us. At that point, it’s tough to come back from.”
On the team’s success on the road:
“I think in the past few months we’ve really matured as a team. Our last game on the road was in Philly. We had a good performance (tonight), I think for the most part, until the red card and the PK. I thought we played fairly well and right with a great team in New York. At the end of the day it’s one game. We know we have three more road games and the fact of the matter is we’re going to have to get some results on the road to make the playoffs and I think everyone in this locker room knows that.”
New York Red Bulls Quotes
Head Coach Hans Backe
Thoughts on the game:
“This game was a must win. We could see it over this past week; three games and we needed to pick up six points. There was definitely a lot of hard work, a lot of energy and the right attitude since the beginning of the game. They found the ball well and of course they had a couple of chances to score on the other team. Portland was one point ahead of us. Every game is like a cup final for us now and there was a solid effort tonight.”
On keeping up with the winning momentum to make the playoffs:
“I think it is up to us now. We will need to win two or three games to have a chance. We have the chance now, it’s up to us and we have three games at home. But of course, the key game that counts in Philly will probably show if we are in the playoffs or not.”
Midfielder Dane Richards
On playing this game more aggressively:
“We needed an early goal because of the disappointing performance on Wednesday, so we wanted to come out and give it that energy. We started to get ready, we needed a goal and we managed to get it.”
On calling this game his best performance:
“I don’t know... We had a lot of energy tonight and I want to be consistent with that.”
On the goal:
“Joel (Lindpere) was there setting a pick … Once I did the first player, the other guy could not get to me, I looked up and I saw the goal. The ‘keeper was a there and it was a tough angle but I went for the back post.”
Defender Stephen Keel
On the importance of tonight’s match:
“Coming out we wanted to stay organized from the first blow of the whistle. For Dane (Richards) to get that goal was great. We created that 1-0 lead and then we get the penalty kick in the second half. Luke (Rodgers) stepped up and hammered it home. It was a great start from the opening whistle, everyone was organized, Frank (Rost) was organized, Tim (Ream) was organized, Jan (Gunnar Solli), Carlos (Mendes). We were all organized, it was good.”
Notes:
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In the MLS Cup playoff standings, the Timbers are just two points back of New York for the fourth Wildcard spot – the 10th and final playoff position.
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With the red card, Alhassan will be unavailable for the Timbers’ match against Whitecaps FC on Oct. 2 due to a league-imposed, one-game suspension.
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The Red Bulls attempted 13 corner kicks (9 in the first half) against the Timbers, matching an opponent-high this season. The Chicago Fire had 13 corner kicks against the Timbers on April 14 in the JELD-WEN Field opener.
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Jewsbury was booked with his fifth caution of the season in the 40th minute. As such, he will serve a one-game, league-imposed suspension against Vancouver next weekend.
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Perkins’ six saves was one shy of his season high (7 - @Chicago on July 16). The goalkeeper has recorded six or more saves in four games this season, including in back-to-back games this week.
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The Timbers finished their regular-season series against the Red Bulls with a record of 0-1-1. In total, Portland is 0-3-2 in games in the Eastern time zone this season.
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The loss to New York was the Timbers’ first defeat this month and the Timbers posted a record of 1-1-2 in September.
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The last time the Timbers were held scoreless in a loss was July 23 at the Columbus Crew (0-1 L).
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Midfielder Eric Alexander made his first start for the Timbers since being acquired in a mid-season trade Aug. 19 from FC Dallas.
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Portland has lost three of its last four road games (0-3-1) and has been held scoreless in each of its last two.
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The Timbers are 1-9-4 in their 14 road games this season.
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The Timbers’ five-match unbeaten run, which ended Saturday, was the club’s longest stretch this season in league play without a loss.
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When allowing the first goal of a match, the Timbers are 0-12-3 in 2011.
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The Timbers play three of their last four matches of the regular season on the road – Oct. 2 @Vancouver, Oct. 19 @D.C. United and Oct. 22 @Real Salt Lake.
- Kenny Cooper played in his 120th career MLS match Saturday against the Red Bulls. Jewsbury played in his 20th career match against the New York club.
