The Boys in Blue returned to the Bronx in Season 5's home opener.. here are some soundbites from Dome Torrent and the squad after settling for a goalless draw against D.C. United.
Domènec Torrent
Thoughts on today’s performance in comparison to last weekend’s match…
The result is a draw, we drew the game. That was the results, it’s not good for us, especially when you play calm in the back. We have a lot of games to try and win the game.
On Sean Johnson’s key performance today…
“The best player today wasn’t just Sean, it was both keepers. We created many chances in the first half and second half and both keepers played amazing. I’m very happy with Sean, not because his job is to stop the goals, but he has improved every single day when we are trying to build from the back especially here at home.”
Thoughts on rhythm of the team so far this season...
“Soccer is not about keeping the ball and having more possession than the opponent. We need to play much better. I prefer to play quickly, one to two touches, but I prefer to keep the ball and not play the long ball like the last game in Orlando. If you keep with ball, with the idea to attack it’s good, you can't pass the ball to pass the ball. Especially against a team like this, DC defends really well, they are one of the best teams when they defend and you have to play quickly.”
Sean Johnson
On how he feels with today’s 0-0 draw…
“I think for us it’s an improvement from last week. We wanted the three points, but it was a tough game, it was a tough opponent - they’re obviously coming off of a good game. They were in a good period. For us, I think we have to really go back and analyze the game, but I think 0-0 is a good result.”
On battling with D.C. United goalkeeper Bill Hamid…
“Bill and I go way back ‘till when we came into the league in 2010. We’ve been together along the way, so it was good to see him do well as well. I think it was a solid performance, I think it’s necessary when a team needs big moments, I think it’s important we keep teams off the scoreboard.”
On his 1st & 3rd save today…
“They were all different. The first one was holding your ground as long as possible. The third one was tough, you’re moving one way, he tries to go back the other way, just fortunate I was balanced and able to drop my knee and make a save. But important moments of the match that helped us get a result today.”
On getting ready for LAFC next week…
“The games are coming quickly. The beginning of the season you want to continue to get better, almost find this happy place where you can continue getting results and find that first win, hopefully against LAFC. We’ll take the week to prepare and really look to come out next week and build off this performance today.”
Alex Ring
First impressions from the game...
“I think there’s a reason why they haven’t lost since August. They defend really well. I thought we kept their big players in check. I thought we could have deserved more. But in the end, both keepers played a great game so I think 0-0 in the end is a result you have to live with.”
How big was Sean Johnson today...
“It’s his job. He’s fantastic. I’ve been playing with him now my third year. I think you can always rely on him. He’s made big stops for us before. But like I’ve said, it’s his job. I think he woke us up a little…our first 15 minutes was too soft. We weren’t in the game. But I think after that, there’s no question of who the better team was for 75 minutes of that game. It was pretty obvious. We just have to, you know, focus on creating more opportunities and then scoring.”
James Sands
On getting 2 starts this season so far…
“I think [Torrent] has always believed in me. Definitely this year I’ve felt more ready and he’s seen me as more ready to play. I think that’s just the biggest thing. Physically I’m able to cope more [professionally].”
AlexandruMitriță
On his first game in New York City…
“It was a good game for me and for the team. We didn’t win, we wanted to win our first game at home but step by step comes the victories.”
