D.C. United Head Coach Tom Soehn
Overall thoughts on the game:
“We had quite a few mistakes on the similar part of the field that gave them too many opportunities and they capitalized, especially the first goal… We had chances ourselves but their keeper came up with a couple of big saves, especially on the cross when he saved a diving header. Marathon played similar to what we thought they would – they counter-attacked. We had our share of the play and a share of the chances and when you’re on the road we need to finish our chances.”
On the penalty kick re-take:
“I feel it’s a travesty when our keeper comes up with a big save and they reward them with another try. I’ve been in this too long and it seems to be consistent that mistakes like that happen and it’s a travesty.”
On playing Marathon at home:
“Now they have to come to our place and we don’t plan on being too accommodating in our place. The next game is at home and they’re going to have to come play at our building.”
D.C. United midfielder Devon McTavish
On the result:
“It’s a tough one. It’s always tough to come down here and try to get a result. I think we put forth a good effort but we gave up a couple of goals away and you obviously can’t do that down here. We had our opportunities and really didn’t take advantage of them but we have to try to move forward and get results at home when we can.”
On Marathon goalkeeper Juan Avelar’s two spectacular saves:
“He was frustrating me tonight. Santino [Qiaranta] saw me make a run at the back post and I got there with a head and I thought for sure that it was going to go in but the keeper made a great stop. And then late in the game Luciano [Emilio] set me up with a sitter and he blocked me again, so he got the best of me on the night but we can definitely build on this. We played good soccer away from home and we did a lot of good things but at the end of the day we gave away several goals and you can’t do that on the road.”
D.C. United defender Avery John
Thoughts on the game:
“We came out and stuck to the game plan. It was just simple defending mistakes that cost us the game. I thought it was a pretty even game. We had our chances, they had their chances and their keeper had some great saves.”
On the four-man backline:
“It was different. The four of us had never played together but I thought we did a good job defending. I thought we we’re solid…but a simple mistake caused the whole game to change.”
Broadcasting and P.A. Request: When speaking of the organization, please refer to the team as either “D.C. United” or “United,” but not “the D.C. United” or “the United.” We appreciate your cooperation.
Doug Hicks,
dhicks@dcunited.com
, (202) 587-5448,
Boris Flores,
bflores@dcunited.com
, (202) 587-5452,
Kyle Sheldon,
ksheldon@dcunited.com
, (202) 587-5450 or
Cristina Cruz,
ccruz@dcunited.com
, (202) 587-5440
