Minnesota United takes three points at home with a heroic effort, scoring twice in the opening half, then holding off the Sporting KC attack. Minnesota has now collected eleven points in eight matches, and are sitting only two points out of a playoff position. Read below some quotes from the press area following the match:
Head Coach Adrian Heath
On whether this is the combo of offense and defense he's wanted to see:
Probably the most complete 90 that we've had in terms of both sides of the ball. We spoke about it in the week: we've had game where we look as though we're a real threat going forward and then we've had days where we've been solid [on defense], but actually getting into both sides in one game, this is probably the best we've looked. I thought we always looked dangerous, but I thought our shape defensively was very, very good. And we had to be good because the way that we play is that they spread the field, they put you in bad spots defensively, but I thought that we kept our discipline, which was huge today. More importantly, I thought that we showed a real courage in believing what we were doing. I'm really pleased for the players. I'm really pleased for everybody connected with the club because you know, live on TV, we've had a couple of horror shows. It's nice to see that we are improving and we're probably a little bit more than just having a nice badge ... if Lexi's listening.
On what he saw in terms of Sporting KC today:
I thought they had a big game on Wednesday, because when the Red Bulls come, they're two of the better teams in the league. It was a big night. I wanted us to start quick, I wanted us to start further up the field, which we did. I thought the two -- Miggy and Kevin Molino's choice of when to go and and join in was very, very good. I thought that Abu worked hard and got his goal. I was delighted for the two frontmen because at times, when you're playing against three and you have to keep dropping on the deep-lying midfield players, it's not easy, but they did it really, really well.
On Bobby Shuttleworth's toughness:
Well, he's a goalkeeper. They're nuts, most of 'em. What did he have? Seven stitches a few weeks ago and today he looks like he's broke his nose. It's par for the course for them guys, unfortunately. They have times where nothing happens for them and then other days where they're having to dive in front of people and get kicked in the head and the face. It's a goalkeeper and as he said, that's what he's paid to do.
On the scuffle in the 71st minute:
I'll have to see it again, but I think the referee handled it really well. The referee's really good, by the way. I thought we could have had a penalty and they asked him and he said he couldn't see. I prefer that to just telling you to go away. I thought the referee was excellent today. It is what it is, but I didn't think it looked too bad.
On how this could build the rivalry between the two teams:
I thought there was a great atmosphere in the stadium today. I thought our supporters were magnificent, they gave a great account of themselves live on TV. I don't know if the rivalry will come out. It's more important that we took another step today and I think we showed a few people that we are getting better. You have to take us seriously. If you don't, we have too much talent not to hurt you. We've got a huge game next week against probably the in-form team in the league. It doesn't get any easier, it's back to the drawing board tomorrow. Can we come up with something else?
On Abu Danladi's first start:
It's a great landmark for the kid. It's his first MLS start, his first professional start. I'm a huge believer in 'you get out what you put in' in football and in life generally. And he has worked so hard the last few weeks to really force my hand. He took everything on board that we asked of him because the way that we asked him to play -- dropping off to that deep-lying midfield player when they got it -- it's not normal for him, it's not natural. But he did it, he got on with it. It was a great finish by the way, great ball from Miguel and a lovely finish from him. Didn't blast it, he caressed it in the bottom corner. He's had a really good day and a fine start to his professional career.
On Cyle Larin's start to his career and whether Abu can be that kind of player:
I think he can, but that's down to him. He needs to keep working hard. I only pick the team, players drop themselves. You don't leave people out of the team who are playing well. Never have done. He's worked hard and he'll keep his place. Now it's up to him to keep working hard Monday to Friday, listening, learning, and if he does he's got a bright future.
On Miguel Ibarra's performance today:
I think Miggy is starting to develop a little rhythm. I said this a few weeks ago when he came on and got the goal: the best of Miguel Ibarra is to come, for the simple reason that he's had 18 months of not playing regular. You don't just suddenly reach the heights that everybody expected. I think he's been better and better the last few weeks. I expect a lot more from him. He's got great energy levels and now he's starting to make things happen in the final third. Great ball for Christian's goal. He can be well pleased with his efforts today. He's getting a grasp of what we want from him. Before he's played a little bit of a different role than we're asking of him, but he's getting a real grasp of what we're looking for. He was very good today.
MNUFC Goal Scorer Abu Danladi
On scoring his first MLS goal:
It was amazing, I really enjoyed it. I’m probably out of words. Just trying to find the right word explain it. It was a good feeling just playing in front of the crowd. Everybody came and the crowd deserved it. They put in a lot of work, they pay money to come watch the team perform. It was a great feeling scoring in front of the fans and also getting the win too.
On Miguel Ibarra’s pass for his score:
He pretty much served it right on the plate for me. It’s just being in the right place at the right time. Just always being in the box. Like coach says, most of the goals are scored in the 18 so just get there at the right time and try and put the ball in the back of the net and that’s what I did.
On his first MLS start:
As I’ve always said, it’s always about the team and it doesn’t matter if I start or not. The coach knows the reason why. He makes the formation based off what he thinks is best for the team and he thought today that I deserve to start. I took the opportunity and tried to make the best out of it, also helping the team is always the first priority. If he brought me in and said, “Play centerback,” I’d play centerback. I do what he tells me because he’s my coach.
On partnering up top with Ramirez:
He’s an incredible player. He’s a good finisher and someone I look up to and learn a lot from and I talk to him. It’s great to play off him as well. He’s good at holding the ball and I’m good at running behind the defenders and it always works out pretty good. It’s always a privilege to play on the same field as him. All the great players we have like Molino, Johan and all of these guys are great players. It’s just an honor to be on the field with all these guys and learn as much as I can.
On what Cronin said as they walked off the pitch:
He said he’s disappointed in my celebration (laughs). We talked about it and he’s like, “you score you got to do a great celebration.” And in the moment I was too excited and I just didn’t know which one I should choose. I don’t even remember what I did.
Minnesota Goalkeeper Bobby Shuttleworth
On how his head feels after getting hit:
Alright, I guess. No headaches or anything. I already had a big nose to begin with and now it’s that much bigger.
When did you get the stitches out from the last cut [in Houston]?
That was probably 4 or 5 days after the cut. Since I’ve been here [I’ve had] the cut over the eye and now the nose. I’ve never broken my nose before so quick procession here.
On the possibility of coming out:
There was definitely talk about it. The trainer and I were talking about it and I just told him to jam some stuff up there and just get on with it.
On possibly silencing the myth of soft soccer players:
There’s always going to be talk about it because there are guys playing for the dive. I think if you look at today there was a lot of hard tackles going in, Calvo getting hammered and guys get on with it and carry on.
