QUOTE SHEET
Real Monarchs SLC 0-1 Portland Timbers FC 2
Providence Park; Portland, Oregon
May 26, 2018
Real Monarchs SLC
Head Coach Mark Briggs
On the result against T2:
“It’s a disappointing result. It’s not so much the result but the performance we put forth. It wasn’t anywhere near the level that we have to produce. The players have been told that performances like that won’t be tolerated or accepted.”
On Jake Leeker:
“Honestly I feel sorry for Jake after the Portland match. He’s done everything he can – practically stood on his head – to keep us in the game. He got an opportunity and he’s grabbed it with both hands and all the game’s he’s played in he’s getting more confident.”
On the Sacramento game:
“We have to forget about the Portland result as quick as possible. We’ve explained certain things to the players and they have to move on. Hopefully we put forth a performance with desire and heart against Sacramento on Tuesday.”
Goalkeeper Jake Leeker
On his performance:
“I thought I did well. Obviously not good enough because we didn’t get the full three points in a disappointing loss. Hopefully we can turn it around and get a result against Sacramento.”
On the penalties against Portland:
“I’ve studied penalties a lot and looked at the guys who take them. Dairon Asprilla tried to deceive me and I read it and had a feeling where he was going to go, and I read it.”
On the quick turnaround:
“We’re going to look at what went right and wrong against Timbers 2 and try and do better against Republic. We’re just going to get right back at it.”
Portland Timbers FC 2
Head Coach Cameron Knowles
On his thoughts after the win over Real Monarchs SLC:
“I thought it was a really good performance from the guys. We created chances and obviously had two missed penalties, and another shutout. It was a mature performance. We found a way to get the goal and that’s a big three points against a very good team.”
On the team’s attitude to claim the victory:
“It speaks to the character and belief in the group. The chances they were creating kept fueling that positivity that they could feel a goal or another chance was going to come and they kept pushing the game.”
On the team’s league-leading seventh shutout of 2018:
“It’s a team effort. The guys in there, regardless of whatever position they play, they’re very proud of keeping teams out of the net. It’s big. It’s been important for us. We’ve had some games where we’ve conceded a few chances and whatnot, but guys have made plays – they’ve made tackles, they’ve made saves, attacking players have tracked back and helped out and it takes that collective effort to get a shutout.”
On the team’s next road match against San Antonio FC:
“We have to move on and enjoy this for today. It’s a big result and the players need to enjoy that feeling. You’ve got to enjoy the highs. Then we’ll get them back in and we’ll reevaluate and work towards another tough opponent. There are no easy games in this league, especially no easy games on the road. We know we’ve got our work cut out for us in maintaining a high level.”
