HEAD COACH CALEB PORTER
On the way that NYCFC pressured the Columbus defense
They didn’t get a ton of chances, but we got too low, and then when we won the ball they were able to counter-press us in. They pinned us back in that first half, we needed to do a better job of breaking that pressure as well.
On the Crew’s second half turn around
The second half was a completely different game. We dominated I thought, we pinned them back, it was because we stepped higher and had more energy in the front. It allowed us to win the ball high and keep the ball and we got a lot of chances.
On Pedro Santos providing a spark when he came on
Well, he is one of our best players. We went with some young guys, some new guys and we want to show faith in them. Like I said I thought it wasn’t all bad, but the second half was much better. Pedro certainly gave us some life, his energy, his ability to get the ball between the lines and create, helped change the game. Our whole mentality, our energy was much better. We needed two halves like that second half, when you get two halves like that then the result is going to be different.
GOALKEEPER ELOY ROOM
On coming in against a strong NYCFC side
Yeah, we know how they play so it was not a surprise for us, but I think the first half we struggled a bit, I think we were also a little bit nervous in the beginning. I think the second half was a different one and we showed them that we also can play. I thought the second half was better from our side, we had some chances, and too bad we didn’t score.
On a tough stretch of games for Columbus Crew SC heading into rivalry week
Yeah it is tough, we need the points and we want to win the games, the second half I think was promising for the next game, and especially the important game against Cincinnati. I think we must look to the second half, we played well, we made it difficult. I think we must be confident for the next match.
On a tough run of results recently and its effect on the squad
Yeah it is tough, like I said, we want to have the points and we have had some good games, the result was not that good. I think we must work together, stay together, and just help each other and focus on the next games. I still have confidence that we can win the games, because we showed in the second half today that we can play with the best teams.
FORWARD ROMARIO WILLIAMS
On his first MLS start…
"It felt good to be out there. It has been a long time coming. All the hard work over the years since I have been in this league to finally get the first one definitely felt good. At the same time, we didn't come up with the three points that we wanted. That makes it a bit bittersweet."
On moving on after loss...
"We got to have short memories. That's what professionals are. It is a game of chances and we got our fair share of chances. Sometimes it just doesn't go your way. As a group we know that. That's what motivates us each and every day. We know what we are capable of. It is just a matter of capitalizing on our chances because we have been right there. We know we are good. It keeps us pushing, keeps us motivated."
On team performing at high level for 90 minutes...
"We have not been able to put together a full complete game. It has been in batches of 20-25-30 minutes. If we can put together a solid performance and not put ourselves in a hole where we are chasing the game, it is incredible to think what we can achieve as a group."
