SPORTING DIRECTOR AND HEAD COACH GREGG BERHALTER
On Crew SC's performance against the Montreal Impact
I think you need to give Montreal [Impact] credit for being able to finish their chances and score in good moments. The game plan we had was to keep the ball, move it around and wait for moments. We had to be patient to break them down. We knew the moments weren’t going to come often because they were going to be very compact in their own half. But I think when we showed that patience we eventually pulled them apart to create goal-scoring opportunities.
On what Crew SC could have been done better against the Montreal Impact
I’m disappointed with the group for going away from the game plan. We got too impatient. Too many balls played in the middle of the field that got them back into the game. We went from a very controlled state to losing control of the match.
On whether he was happy with Crew SC's effort
I think overall the effort was there but especially in playoffs, key moments will define the game and you have to be sharp. To give up a goal on a transition set piece on your own corner kick is something that can’t happen. And five minutes before half time we can’t give up a goal either. It’s things like that we have to be much sharper with.’
On some of the positive takeaways from today's match
‘We always talk about learning experiences and think this was a good learning experience – to stay calm, stay patient. We’re playing away from home, we have the ball, without pressure, at our midfield – stay calm. Keep it moving, bring them out of position, wait for an opening and then you change the rhythm to make the attack.
DEFENDER MILTON VALENZUELA
Thoughts on today's result against the Montreal Impact
I thought we had control of the game in the first half. The first goal was against the run of play and the second goal was an isolated incident again. We had a few chances, but we couldn’t convert and that was the difference.
On the importance of having a strong performance in the final two matches of the regular-season
Yes, those games are very important, both on the road and at home so we can head into the playoffs with a good self-esteem.
On some of the positive takeaways from today's match against the Montreal Impact
What I thought we did well is we never gave up, we kept on trying. Even though we couldn’t score, we just kept going and I think that says a lot about us.
MIDFIELDER WIL TRAPP
On how important the last two matches of the regular-season are for Crew SC
It's huge for us. I mean it’s really about performing well. We know that the games in the playoffs are going to be difficult. We’re playing two teams at the moment that are below the playoff line coming up, but these are games that we have to be smarter and stronger.’
On the importance of getting a home game in playoffs
Home playoff games are always an advantage, so we have to do everything we can in the next two games to get six points and make sure we justify and lock in that spot.
On getting away from the game plan in today's match
I think you saw in the first twenty minutes that we created two or three great chances and it was all from playing the way we designed to play this game. And then we just got a little frustrated and started doing things outside of the norm and you could see it unravel.
On the positive takeaways from today's match against the Montreal Impact
I think the spirit until the end was great - guys coming in that tried to make a difference. But ultimately, it’s about sticking to the game plan and performing in your role.
