Columbus Crew SC Sporting Director and Head Coach,
Gregg Berhalter
On whether the early goal by Houston changed the dynamic of the game...
“Well, first off give Houston a lot of credit. They came out, got an early lead there and hung on. Were disappointed with the start of the game, obviously. We felt that we should have been up, should have been scoring before halftime and it’s too bad we didn’t. Our job now is to analyze the game but get rid of it as soon as possible. Because that wasn’t a good performance by our group.”
On the play of the Crew SC defense...
“By and large, we dealt with the counterattack in the way we imagined. We wanted to balance it off with our fullbacks not going forward every single time. I think we did that to a certain extent. In the second half as we are pushing even more, we did give up more counter opportunities but I think that’s normal based on the game today.”
On whether he’s thinking about making a change with the lineup...
“Listen, every game you’re accountable for your performance. So, I think that’s normal. We are in professional sports so every game, when you step on the field you’re going to be judged and you have to be accountable for how you perform. So of course, we are looking at that.”
Columbus Crew SC Forward, Ola Kamara
On Houston’s counter attack...
“I think it’s difficult. Once you’re down early in the game that’s tough away. Then I feel like Houston got the game in their hands because they like the counterattack and they’re physical. I think they won the physical battle and that’s actually what made us lose this game.”
On what halftime adjustments the team made...
“Down two goals, we wanted to control the game. But we have to make it a little bit more open; we have to go for goals, of course. And then the game is a little bit like Houston wanted as well and they scored a fantastic goal in the second half.”
Columbus Crew SC Midfielder, Wil Trapp
On the game overall...
“Disappointing. We didn’t execute; chances we did have we didn’t score, other than the last one. I think the competition aspect we lacked significantly. Credit to Houston with their game plan, but for us it’s pure and simple not good enough.”
On preparing for Houston’s counterattack...
“Yeah, we did. But I think you take a goal early like that and it changes the complexion a little bit. You have to alter your game plan a little bit, but with saying that we still created chances to score. So we have no one else to blame but ourselves, and the fact is that the chances were there to make up the difference of the two goals we leaked in the first half. We just didn’t do so.”
