Head Coach and Sporting Director Gregg Berhalter
On whether tonight’s result was encouraging
Yeah, absolutely. The response will be very similar to last week when we say we just want to keep improving. We’ll analyze the game in the same way and hope to keep improving and getting better in all areas of the game. I really have to credit the guys for digging in because it was hot out there, man. I mean you guys were there. You saw the amount of energy both teams were putting out on the field. It was a good effort by the group.
On if he adapted his game strategy for the heat
I think so. The message was ‘dividing the game into four quarters’. We knew there were going to be two water breaks and managing through those quarters. We got the guys together in each of those breaks, kind of reorganized and went forward. But again, proud of the guys, proud of the effort working through some pretty tough conditions.
On Eduardo Sosa’s performance
Eduardo [Sosa] deserved an opportunity first of all, and he showed why we brought him here. He showed glimpses of things that are very difficult to teach players. I think when you talk about his ball processing, when you talk about him turning in tight spaces, he really gives us another dimension. Running with the ball is excellent. So, I think overall, he played a good game.
On his decision to start Gaston Sauro
You know we didn’t know if it was right. You make a decision based on the information that you have, but when a guy hasn’t played in a long time, you’re never sure. I credit Gaston [Sauro] on the hard work that he’s done to put himself in this position, and then we had to give him an opportunity. In my eyes, he played a good game.
On Mike Grella not playing today’s match
It’s been unfortunate for how it’s worked out for Mike [Grella] because I think today was a game we wanted to get him into. We wanted to see the impact he could make. It’s unfortunate due to the score line – it was hard to get him in. He’s a guy that’s part of our plans. He’s been doing a good job. He’s been working hard, and I’m sure he’s going to get an opportunity.
On whether Gyasi Zardes was deserving of an All-Star nomination
I think so. I think people undervalue the amount of work that he does. Like today was a good example: we wanted to get him more involved. He had 36 touches I think today, 21 passes; probably one of the higher amounts this year. He’s just very strong, very dynamic, tireless, and works for the team. It’s really good to see someone that puts that much work into it get rewarded.
On Real Salt Lake’s second half
I think they did a good job in the second half. When I think about the amount of possession they had in the second half… it was excellent, and they made it difficult for us. Because of the conditions, it was difficult to get out and press, and it pinned us back a little bit. But I think our penalty box defending in the end was enough but give them credit for really pushing hard in this game.
On getting a tight win
Well those games are important: the ones that you have to work for, the ones that the guys have to come together and battle; those are the important ones because they leave a lasting impression. The guys know they can do it. They know when the game gets difficult, they can withstand the pressure and continue to perform. So, I think this game will go a long way, and moving forward it’s very simple for us. If we keep getting better, we’ll be a very good team by the end of the year.
On playing an international friendly against Deportivo Saprissa on Tuesday
I think that will be fun. We’re going to use that to play all guys; let everyone get an opportunity to play, and we’re excited about it. It’s nice when you get to test yourself against international competition, and we appreciate the effort [Deportivo] Saprissa is making to come out here and play us.
On Gaston Sauro potentially earning more playing time in the future
I think all of our center backs are physical. When you look at Alex [Crognale], Gaston [Sauro], Jonathan [Mensah], Lalas [Abubakar], Josh Williams – they’re all physical. I like it. I think it gives us a good dimension both on set pieces – any type of long balls they can deal with really well. So, we’ll see. The important thing is Gaston [Sauro] is putting himself in a position to play.
On Jonathan Mensah and Harrison Afful’s injuries
Yeah, they’re both okay. Jonathan [Mensah] was quickly assessed by the doctors. They did a great job of getting out there, and they decided he was fit to continue. And Harrison [Afful] is in good order. He’s fine.
Midfielder Eduardo Sosa
On getting his first MLS start and scoring his first goal
I was very anxious to play. It was a big responsibility, but I wanted to step up because I knew that we were missing Pipa [Federico Higuain] and the team hadn’t won, so we wanted to make sure we did well.
On scoring the game-winning goal
Yes, it felt nice to get the game-winner, but at the same time, it’s just nice to score and help the team get the win. Now, I’m ready to play whenever, so whether the coach wants me to play as a starter, or as a substitute, I am happy to contribute however I can.
On the play leading up to his goal
I saw they switched the ball over to Harry [Harrison Afful], who headed it over to Pedro [Santos], and I know the quality that Pedro has, so I knew he could get the ball to me. I saw some space, so I ran into the space, and I was lucky enough to hit the ball well and score the goal, so I’m happy about that.
Forward Gyasi Zardes
On scoring at MAPFRE Stadium
I always give the coaches all the credit, they sacrifice a lot of time as far as getting us prepared for our opponent but also “Wolfie” [Josh Wolff] spends a lot of time with me helping me exploit our opponents.
On fighting through matches
Piggybacking off what Gregg said, it was really circuital that we really fight through this spell of games because we are playing difficult opponents and also the table is really close. As the top tier teams are trying to pull away we have to make sure that we grind out wins is very important.
On the importance of seeing the ball hit the net
It is extremely important as a striker to see the ball hit the back of the net because you want to try and catch a rhythm, find that rhythm and keep it going. So, it was great.
