QUOTE SHEET
REAL SALT LAKE 4-1 PORTLAND TIMBERS
JULY 19, 2017; PORTLAND, OREGON, PROVIDENCE PARK
Real Salt Lake
Head Coach Mike Petke
On his team opening the first 15 minutes:
“Listen, I never really spoke about it for many reasons, but in all honesty, the first 10 games or so I was here, we had a lot of injuries. We were depleted. It’s not to take away from the guys that were playing at all, but we have a full roster now. We have guys that make guys fight for their spot and it raises the level in practice every week. So it’s a joy. It’s a joy that we’re finally putting things together. You just sense once we get everyone back and healthy and we’re fighting for positions, the talent is there. It’s a joy to watch.”
On if his team is coming together defensively:
“We’ll see. It seems that way. The last couple of games, even the [game against Manchester United]. We did give up two goals, but that’s two goals to Man United. I like more of the stuff I see, even in scoring four goals tonight, six goals against LA, it’s not really about the goals to me. It’s about how we created those goals. It was the other opportunities we had, the other shots that we created and our balance throughout. That’s what we’ve been preaching the last month and to see them applying that on the field, it’s great for a coach to see that.”
On the team’s composure following a flurry of cards:
“I’m curious as to why Kyle [Beckerman] got a red card. I don’t want to say too much, but I’m very curious to see. I’m going to go back and look at the tape. I’ve already talked to people in my organization, people here who have seen it. They don’t understand why he got a red card. It was frustrating to see that. We were just talking about keeping our composure. Aside from that, I think the guys kept their composure. I think they got a little too goal happy the last 15 minutes and I think we left ourselves a little bit exposed at times. But besides that, they kept their composure well.”
On Joao Plata’s performance:
“Where he’s come from in the first two weeks I was here and the issues he and I had to now where he is completely on board. He’s doing everything we’re asking. That’s one of the beauties of coaching. To see that, to have that relationship with a player, to be a part of bringing him to a place where he’s firing on all cylinders, it’s great.”
On his team’s transition play:
“They’re high-quality players to begin with. Every coach needs good players. There’s no secret to it. In professional sports, if you don’t have good players, doesn’t matter how good a coach you are. It’s very rare that you’re going to succeed. My hat’s off to them for their talent. As far as listening, that’s the second part of it. For 10 days now, well for four months, but the last 10 days, to go through things specifically and stop and put them in the right positions and explain to them and have them apart of the process as far as me not just dictating, but collaborating with them almost. Having them buy in and then to see it on the field. Three of those goals, besides the penalty kick were plays that we worked on over the last ten days. The runs, the off-ball movement. It’s fantastic.”
On Beckerman’s goal:
“Actually, I was yelling at him the other day because I want him sitting in front of the defense and all he does after practice is shoot. I said, ‘how am I supposed to get you to stay if you keep going up and shooting.’ But hey, he had a fantastic goal today and hopefully his red card… they do the right thing and it gets rescinded and he’ll be available again Saturday.”
Midfielder Kyle Beckerman
On the team breaking a losing streak on turf:
“It’s huge for us. One we were really focused on for a couple weeks now with the Gold Cup break. It’s good to come out of the break with a win.”
On his goal:
“I initially got it and was thinking of whipping something across for the back post and then didn’t really see any runs. So I thought I’d give it and hit and it went in. We were knocking it. We had some decent play there, just kind of passing it around and had some numbers over there. Found myself in space. First I kinda looked to whip it across for the back post and nobody was making the run so I thought ‘let’s just have a go and see what happens.’ Sometimes they go in.”
On his red card and if he got any explanation from referee Baldomero Toledo:
“No. I didn’t. You’d have to watch it. I’m not sure.”
On his team’s composure on the night:
“It was a really good mentality from the first whistle until the end. We just have to keep continuing that. Make it contagious and see if we can keep pushing for the second half of the season.”
On if he expected such a big result in Portland:
“You never think you’re going to come in and get a big scoreline. We have to bring ourselves back to earth quickly and get ready for Saturday. It’s always a hard game here in Portland. We’ll take it and keep moving.”
Defender Tony Beltran
General thoughts on the match:
“Yeah, it was an interesting match, especially in the second half with the flow of red cards. It is what it is. Overall I think the team kept it’s head really well and we played good soccer, especially in the first half. Going into second half, we knew there was a lot of space and we did a good job moving the ball from side to side and killing them with our passing. What’s most important is we can do better. This group can do better. Big win away, two big wins away.”
On the growing confidence of the team:
“That plays a part, but even more than that is the belief. I think with this break and even before that, Mike [Petke] has instilled a belief in this side. It’s been infectious and winning has been infectious and I think now that we have that feeling we want to keep it going.”
On how the win helps move the team up the table:
“We talked about it before the game. We knew where we’re at in the standings. We know what we need to do to get in the playoffs and tonight was the first step in that. Fantastic away result, getting the three points and now we need to keep it rolling at home. Three games at home. We haven’t had that all season, so it’s a big time opportunity for us to keep it going and make a statement.”
