Post-Match Quotes

Post-Match Quotes | United v. NCFC

IMAGE: NCFC quotes
Post-Match Quotes | United v. NCFC  -

Head coach Ben Olsen
On the game…

“We could have buried the game with an extra goal but when you let opposing teams with a bit of experience stay in the game, they can hurt you on a set piece. I thought we were fairly consistent throughout the night. They worked hard, were organized and made it difficult for us to break them down. On a few occasions they were dangerous on the counter but it was our own inability at times to unlock their defense."


Midfielder Ian Harkes
On whether he thought the team was in control for most of the match...

Yeah, for the most part. I thought during the second half there were times where we were pushing for that second goal to put them away and we got a little stretched, so that gave them a little more of the ball and then they started to get a little more comfortable. Obviously, there were a lot of guys out there that didn’t get a lot of minutes throughout the year. You could see us getting a little tired and losing a possession or getting lazy, but, you know, good effort from us overall.


On challenges of playing a new opponent, despite being in a lower level of soccer...

It was a little difficult to scout them, but we have a great staff to put stuff together. We know that they are a good team and they were going to come in and compete and make it hard, which they did, as you can see. We know we had to be up for it and play our best.


On managing the frustrating periods during the game, especially in extra time...

We just had to stay positive and know that our time was coming. Unfortunately, it did not come until penalties. I was disappointed not to score mine, but David and Bruno saved us. 


Goalkeeper David Ousted:
On conceding a late goal...
"It was one loose ball and then they get one back. They were just scrapping and fighting for their lives and doing everything they can to make life difficult. We weren't able to break that down to enough of an extent. I think we should have been up two or three nil at that point, but it was what it was and I'm glad we came out of it and we're still in the Cup."
On his preparation for the penalty kicks...
"I only walked through [their tendencies] but I try to read the player when he comes up. I try to read what he wants to do, what kind of player he is, what kind of foot he has on him. You see that in the strikes in the game. It's just about trusting that gut feeling and getting a little bit of luck." 
On what playing in the U.S. Open Cup means to him...
"First of all, it means a lot for the club. Secondly, it means a lot for me to be able to win a [U.S. Open Cup] and win a trophy. I think it's five games, then you're with a trophy. That's a short way to get a trophy so we definitely want to win it. I want to win it so we're going to go full out."