Read what Frank Klopas, Troy Perkins and Justin Mapp had to say following Tuesday's training session at the Marie-Victorin Sports Complex, as the team prepares to host the New York Red Bulls this Saturday at the Olympic Stadium.
Frank Klopas
On earning the draw…
In possession, we sometimes try to force the ball from the defensive end and that creates turnovers, so we need to work on that, but going down with 10 men, and creating chances was great. With Marco, you always have a chance to come back in a game. We stayed compact after getting the red. Our mentality has been very good and having more guys in the group now gives us more depth. I really believe we will have a good season and I know the players believe that as well.
On changes in lineup…
With Heath, Marco and Andres in the fold now, we have a lot more options for every spot. This game was a little different. The weather conditions were not ideal, so you make decisions based on that. Patrice is our captain and is getting close to full fitness after missing time during training camp.
Troy Perkins
On getting first point…
I think this week was a bit of an epiphany. Going down 0-3, it’s not going to be pretty on the road, but it takes hard work. It’s not going to be pretty, but that’s what’s needed to be done.
On facing more shots last game…
I hope I never have to touch a ball during a game. But, that’s the way the game played. I was busy and it was a confidence builder to help the team in a game like that.
On earning a point despite being a man down…
Going a man down with that much time to play, we still created a lot of chances. We are positive about the way we finished the game and even over the first 20 minutes, so we have to just keep moving forward. As a team, we’ve been out of position a few times, but overall the guys are starting to come together even more and you’ll start seeing better performances more and more.
Justin Mapp
The affect Marco’s goal had on psyche of the team…
After four games, one point is not ideal, but losing that game would have been worse. We’ve been battling hard and earned a break near the end of the Philly game. It was only one point but felt bigger than that.
Coming home for two games…
We want to defend our home field. We did that well last year, and we’ve discussed that this year. With two games coming up at home, it’s important that we maintain that.
On the New York Red Bulls…
They are a tough team. We’ve seen them pretty often over the last couple of years being in our conference and in preseason games. They are the defending Supporters Shield winners. It’s an experienced team with quality players and we will definitely have to be on top of our game.
