Veljko Paunovic
On earning a point on the road…
“I think it was great. The game was fantastic and the guys showed fantastic character coming back from the initial lead that Portland had. Then even taking the lead on our side. In the end, unfortunately we dropped two points, but it was a tough game. Fantastic opponent, great crowd, great atmosphere. These kinds of games are, for sure, very helpful for our team to grow and especially when we get a point on the road. I think it’s important. We’re obviously not happy with just a point, but we are excited about the character and the way the team played today.”
On Brandon Vincent’s first MLS goal…
“It’s a huge achievement for him. Very happy for him. He was working very hard for this and he deserves it for sure. Great goal by the way and great combination by the team. Congrats to him and again, we have to continue and work for after the break even stronger and even better.”
On the Fire’s unbeaten streak…
“The best motivation is the next game. That’s how we prepare. Next game, next game. It’s not a time to look behind you. Of course we’re very happy to be in first place, but we motivate our guys to look at the next game, prepare for the next game and compete, give their best. The results with that approach are coming and what we have in this group is the hunger. Everyone is driven by the goal that we have this year, which is playoffs. I think the team has an even higher ceiling. Once we get to the playoffs, we have to set another goal, but we will talk once we are in the playoffs.”
On the players that came into the team to fill some vacancies…
“Important absences for us, but also very important, showing up and stepping up the guys who had an opportunity to play today. That’s something we were preaching from the start that everyone has to work and wait for the opportunity to come and be ready. That’s the best possible approach. Today, everyone showed that they were ready and engaged. We didn’t even change anything in our game. Yes, at the end it was hard for us when we were tired. It’s different circumstance that we are not used to playing with guys that are a bit more tired, but then we lost possession and control of the game. Portland did well. But I think that having the depth and the guys that are waiting for their opportunity, always ready and when they get the opportunity, they can show that they are ready. It’s very important for the team.”
On Arturo Alvarez’s performance…
“I didn’t see both plays. I didn’t have time, but whatever it is, I thought he did a fantastic job for the team. It’s recognition for him because it was hard for him when he was participating less because the team obviously played well and he was waiting for his opportunity. In the last month actually, he had an opportunity to play first in the Open Cup and have an important game. Then obviously his game in the last game against Vancouver and he did fantastic. Today he did fantastic. I think he scored that goal, but it doesn’t matter. He’s scoring goals for the team and that’s what’s important.”
Arturo Alvarez
On if he thought Nemanja Nikolic got a touch on the first goal…
“Well if [Nikolic] didn’t touch the ball, it’s my goal. Obviously, it was a cross. I saw Niko making that near post run and he said he didn’t touch it. I don’t think he did, but if he didn’t, I’ll take it. Either way, it went in and I’m there to put in dangerous crosses and make things happen. I’m glad it went in.”
On setting up Brandon Vincent for his first MLS goal…
“I got a quick ball from David Accam and my initial thought was just to play it in first touch. I think people thought that I’m very left footed and I went with my right. I don’t think people were expecting it and it caught them by surprise. Luckily it went past everyone and Brandon got to it and got a good shot on goal.”
On the team’s performance and attitude…
“We’re playing good soccer. Today was definitely a tough game. We knew it was going to be. It’s always tough coming to Portland and playing against Portland, who is also a good team with possession and everything. Obviously when you have limited minutes, you want to come in and show that you can still help the team. I’m glad I’m doing that at the moment.”
Brandon Vincent
On scoring his first MLS goal…
“It’s an amazing feeling. Hard to describe. I think it’s just a culmination of a lot of hard work and having guys out there to celebrate with, it’s an amazing feeling.”
On being in the position necessary to get on the end of the cross…
“I could see the play. We were on the front foot on that one. I think my guy was trying to track me and I think a lot of times one of the fullbacks can get higher up the field and close those kinds of balls in. This time, I just happened to be in the box. It popped to me and I kept following the play and luckily got a good strike.”
On the importance of the road point…
“It’s very important. Obviously we wanted a win, but we’ll take a point in a tough place to play on the road. It’ll be good momentum for us, good vibes going into the break, and into next game.”
