SPORTING DIRECTOR AND HEAD COACH GREGG BERHALTER
On the result against Atlanta United FC
I think it’s a good effort. I think it is an effort that shows our intent, shows that we can be dangerous, shows that we can come in here and push Atlanta to the edge. I think we did that. I’m disappointed with the goals that we conceded. I didn’t think they indicated the level of defending that we are capable of, but overall proud of the effort of the guys.
On Gyasi Zardes’ goal and Crew SC’s attack in the second half
I think it varied. I think, in the first half, we were a little bit too passive. It was difficult to get numbers forward because of our defensive position. (In the) second half, we had a more aggressive defensive position, which led to more attacks. At the end of the day, I think we had more than one goal in us.
On Hector Jimenez making his 100th regular-season appearance with Crew SC
Hector is the glue. He’s the guy that keeps the locker room together, mixes well with everyone, understands the work it takes to be a pro. He’s been a pro. This is his eighth season, so he really understands what that means. We couldn’t be happier for him and this accomplishment.
On playing the Chicago Fire on Thursday
We put this game away already, and now it’s about focusing on the next one. We’ll get fit guys. We will probably make a couple changes, but excited for the game on Thursday. A chance to get back at it.
FORWARD GYASI ZARDES
On the match against Atlanta United FC
I felt like we were all over them in the second half. As soon as the second half started, we really capitalized, got ourselves back in the game, and (it was) just unfortunate to not have a call go our way, and they turn around and score on the same play.
On his goal against Atlanta United FC
I saw Wil (Trapp) dribbling across the field and I looked around and saw myself wide open. Wil made an amazing pass on this turf and just turned and tried to put it on frame, far post.
On playing the Chicago Fire on Thursday
This game is behind us, and now, as we train this week, we just really have to focus on what the coaches ask of us. They do a phenomenal job of getting us prepared for our next opponent. We are going to look forward to playing against Chicago.
On Hector Jimenez making his 100th regular-season appearance with Crew SC
Hector means a lot, especially to myself. When I first became a pro, Hector was driving me to and from training. I always have respect for Hector, and I love playing with him each and every moment I get. Congratulations to him, and I really look forward to playing many more games with him.
MIDFIELDER WIL TRAPP
On the competitive effort from his teammates
I thought (in) the second half we came out very strong. I thought how we wanted to play them in the first half was a little bit of a feeling out period (and) unlucky to give up the goal. Once we scored, I felt like we had the better of the chances, the aggressors, for the most part. It was an interesting call on the potential handball, and it goes into a transition the other way, and they score. The last one is another transition play, so we have to buttoned up in those scenarios. They’re a team that can exploit you on the break, and they did so tonight.
On finding Gyasi Zardes for the equalizer
I think, like I said, the way we came out in the second half, we really tried to spread them out. Gyasi was in a great spot. I just kind-of picked my head up and they slid to the side and I found him through the middle. It was a great finish by him especially from distance. Just got to keep finding him in good spots to get shots.
On the message to the group with the next game against Chicago on Thursday
As much as this one is disappointing for us and we put a lot of effort into it, we have to just put it behind us because we’re traveling quickly. It’s a game we feel like we can get a result out of Chicago, so we have to go for it.
On Hector Jimenez making his 100th regular-season appearance with Columbus
He’s huge. He’s just a wonderful teammate, a wonderful player. He’s been a wonderful servant as well. I’m happy for him. He’s probably disappointed in the result of the game, but for him, it’s been a wonderful time for him here. So, I’m happy to be teammates with him
