SPORTING KANSAS CITY MANAGER PETER VERMES
On his team's performance:
"I thought the guys played hard. Unfortunately there were certain things that went against us and that made it hard for us to find our rhythm. I don't think either team was able to find a rhythm. The game was a pretty ugly one."
On the absence of both Kei Kamara and Graham Zusi:
"Those two guys are great players and they add a lot to our team, but those guys in the other room are a very talented group. I know, we know we can win with those guys. Could things have ended differently? Maybe, but there isn't anything we can do about that now."
SPORTING KANSAS CITY GOALKEEPER JIMMY NIELSEN
On the backline's performance:
"I think the guys played well for us. It was unfortunate to give up the goal, but the guys did well to stop their forwards for the most part. Wondo [Chris Wondolowski] and [Steven] Lenhart are two dangerous attackers and we knew it was going to be physical in the box. I think we dealt with them pretty well throughout the game."
SPORTING KANSAS CITY DEFENDER MATT BESLER
On missed chances:
"We had our opportunities, but we weren't able to convert any. They get one real solid chance and Chris puts it away. I think our finishing just wasn't good enough, that's all I can really say about it."
On playing against USMNT teammate Chris Wondolowski:
"I really enjoy playing against Wondo. He is a hard guy to mark. He finds the smallest of spaces and can punish you. It's always a good challenge to come here and play a guy you are teammates with on another team, but it's enjoyable too."
SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES INTERIM HEAD COACH MARK WATSON
On game:
“We started a little slowly tonight and we were not moving the ball as well as we can. But our defending was pretty good. Our big message this week was to be smart and keep our shape defensively for 90 minutes and I think we did that tonight. Also, we know that if Wondo [Chris Wondolowski] gets a few chances, he will bury one and win the game.”
On Jon Busch’s 100th win:
“Fantastic. It takes a long time to get a 100 wins as a goalkeeper or a coach in this league. It is a testament to his quality over time. He is an incredible professional and he works harder than any person I have ever seen so he really deserves it. We are lucky to have him.”
SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES FORWARD CHRIS WONDOLOWSKI
On scoring on his bobblehead night:
“It’s pretty cool to have a bobblehead and it’s pretty cool to score on your bobblehead night. I thought Steven [Beitashour] did a great job putting that ball. When you get service like that, it makes my job a lot easier.”
On overall performance:
“I thought we played very well defensively and did a good job of keeping our defensive shape. [Sporting] Kansas City is a tough team, but anytime we play at home we want to come away with three points and it was great to get the win tonight.”
SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES DEFENDER STEVEN BEITASHOUR
On scoring play:
“We did a good job of keeping possession on the play. The ball was deflected out wide, putting me in a good spot, and then I just tried to put it in a dangerous spot for Wondo [Chris Wondolowski].”
On clean sheet:
“I thought we did well tonight. We didn’t give up too many chances. We wanted to stay tight defensively, and not just our back four, but our entire team. It worked out well.”
On upcoming road trip:
“We’ve done great all season protecting our home field, but I think we need to prove that we can get three points on the road. I think we only have one win away from home this season so we have to make sure that we fight, battle and get a result.”
SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES GOALKEEPER JON BUSCH
On winning 100th career MLS game:
“It makes me feel old; it’s quite an accomplishment especially when you look at the guys in that club. It’s humbling and I’m honored to be on that list of guys with 100 wins.”
