QUOTE SHEET
Chicago Fire 1:1 Seattle Sounders
Recap
Veljko Paunović, Chicago Fire head coach
On the match:
“I think that this was definitely one of the best games we’ve played this season and I’m very proud of our team. It’s very difficult for us to go home after this match and look at the fact that we didn’t win the game. It was a great game for the fans. Both teams had a lot of opportunities and it was a great soccer night. That’s the way our team always has to play. I’m so happy with the performance of the team. I know in the past I was a little bit harsh with [Aleksandar] Katai, but he had a fantastic game and I knew that he could do that. He has to work and figure out a way to work for the team both directions. Together with the others, he had a fantastic game. It was good to see how we managed to play with the ball, having possession, creating a lot of opportunities and finding the right spots to receive the ball to commit their defenders.
On the other side, I think we also were solid defending. We did concede one goal and we had some difficult situations to deal with in the second half with opportunities that Seattle created, but we definitely were capable of fixing things and saving the situations that were dangerous. I think it was fantastic to see the performance in the attack with how many chances we created. We just needed to be a little bit more sharp. That will come. We just need to keep growing. The games like this, even though you feel like you swallowed the rock because you didn’t win, you’re happy to see your team playing this way.”
On having a week to prepare for the next match:
“It’s important always. We are a team that doesn’t complain or give excuses. We are the team that just wants to get better and learn to compete so we can win. That’s our mindset. If we have to play a game in two days, we’ll play the game. Now we have a little more time so we’ll recover, prepare and we’ll go with this confidence and this huge boost of great energy and atmosphere in the locker room to try to get the three points against New York City FC. They’re another great team and another difficult opponent, but we’re growing and getting to the point where all the pieces will tuck in together.”
Aleksandar Katai, Chicago Fire midfielder
On his goal:
“It’s important to me continue to score goals. It’s good for me and good for the team, and it’s a big shame that we didn’t win the game.”
On getting a point in a tough environment:
“I thought we deserved three points. Also needed to collect points in the game against Colorado. We need to collect points if we need to be in the playoffs.”
Brandt Bronico, Chicago Fire midfielder
On the goal:
“I think me and Katai have developed a good chemistry over the last couple of weeks. I play off him and look for him going forward. He took a great first touch and it was a great finish.”
On having a week off before playing NYCFC:
“It’s extremely important [to come out strong]. Now that we have a whole week to prepare, we can get fresh legs back and hopefully take care of business against New York City at home. It’s a great opportunity for us and looking forward to it.”
On no one scoring in the last 10-15 minutes of the game:
“Yeah, I was surprised we didn’t score. I think we created a lot of chances and we gave our best efforts towards the goal. That’s sometimes just how the game is.”
