HEAD COACH & SPORTING DIRECTOR GREGG BERHALTER
Definitely not the score line you had anticipated going into this game. What went wrong for Columbus?
Well, I think the starting point is the Philadelphia Union played an outstanding game. When you look at how effective they were and how they were winning challenges and moving the ball, and the competitive desire to win the game, it was outstanding. I think that’s the best I have seen Philly play.
What did you think of the performances of your players who just got handed their first MLS debut or first starts of the season?
I’m not going to get into evaluating individual performances, that I’ll speak to the players in small meeting settings. But I think by and large we were disappointed with the performance of the team today.
What would you say Columbus was lacking through the game that ultimately caused this result? What would you attribute it to if you had to choose one thing?
Well, again, Philly did a very good job of controlling the match. They were first to every ball and they dictated the tempo and it was a good performance by them.
DEFENDER CHAD BARSON
What went wrong?
Definitely not the result we wanted. Three games in a short amount of time all against eastern conference teams so obviously very important games for us and it’s an opportunity if you get results to move up in the standings. I think overall it wasn’t terrible, but just a few plays that kind of dug us a hole and it was too difficult to dig ourselves out of.
Going forward, you have a quick turn around at home in three days against Montreal. How do you put this performance past you and move to the next one?
You have to; and that’s the good thing about having so many games in a short amount of time. You forget the previous result and move onto the next one and make sure that you recover physically and mentally and put everything towards the next game.
Any specific areas for improvement before next game?
I think finding our identity. We’re playing at home which always helps – I think we just have to come out, put the effort forward, and tactically and technically be there and if we do that, we should get a result.
FORWARD AARON SCHOENFELD
Going forward, what is the biggest thing Columbus needs to do to turn around before Saturday?
We need to re-find our identity and our winning mentality. Obviously it’s three games now without a win and once we get back at MAPFRE Stadium with our fans behind us, we have to re-group and punish teams.
Comparing the two games this season, why do you think there has been such a drastic turn-around? Do you attribute it to playing away or a turn in form?
I think it just wasn’t our day today. We threw away a couple of chances early, so if we take one of those it changes the game up. Once they score that goal, they have some confidence behind them and start moving the ball a lot better. On any given day in this league, any team can win, which is the good thing about this league – there’s very little disparity between the teams. So if you come out flat, you’re going to get punished.
Considering it was your first start of the season, what are your reflections?
I thought I had a goal. Sylvestre made a really good save on that header I had and I think it was alright – you’re paid to score goals and I didn’t score, so there you go.
What didn’t click during halftime, when you guys were up in shots but down only 1-0, to then concede twice again during the second half?
It hurt. We had to change our lineup up – go a little more direct than we’re used to playing since we were a goal down and had to go that route. We have to be sharper in the final third.
