Swope Park Rangers head coach Nikola Popovic
Thoughts on the game…
It is frustrating to lose like this. We played a very good game. We kept the possession and created chances. I want to congratulate our players. They were fantastic until the end. But sometimes in soccer its like this and its frustrating.
Thoughts on the opposition…
When you play against so many famous players, it is always a fantastic experience for any player to be a part of this game on the field and see how these players really are, because they are really different. It doesn’t matter the age. They can feel the space and they can feel the movement in a different way so I think it’s a great experience for them.
On the anticipation around the game...
I think if you are fair and look at the game, there was no distraction at all. Perhaps some other people were distracted but for sure not us. The team was very focused and I think it was a good performance.
Thoughts on the quick turnaround to Wednesday's game…
Against San Antonio we had a good performance. Sometimes the scoreboard is not in our favor, but I really do think this team is playing better and better. Of course, there are only two days to rest between the games and that is always a challenge, but I really think the guys will respond well.
Swope Park Rangers forward Nansel Selbol
Thoughts on the game…
In the first half, we were doing well. We kept the ball and made them run the whole time and we got the goal in the first half. In the second half, we were not able to keep the ball and it was 50/50 and after getting the goal we just kept playing long balls and they scored.
Thoughts on the change in possession...
We didn’t even keep it in the second half and once we got the ball, we just tried to play a long ball. They got the ball and we were up high and they went for counter.
Thoughts on his PK…
I was second on the list. Kevin was first. I had the confidence so I said, "Kevin, let me play it" because I knew he would play the second one and he himself might get a little tense. I was happy he didn’t say no. He said, "yeah, come play it because I like the confidence you have and I know you’re going to score."
Swope Park Rangers midfielder Kevin Oliveira
Thoughts on the game…
I think this was a good game. We saw how Phoenix was waiting for us. We started well and we scored early. We were playing against a great team and they have great players but we showed how we play.
Thoughts on giving up the lead…
I think we deserved a win in this game, we played so well. Phoenix was just waiting for us and we should have won the game today.
Thoughts on playing against Phoenix's stars…
Our coach said we are focusing on us, our game, and how we play. I think nobody focused on them. We just focused on winning the game.
Thoughts on the quick turnaround to Wednesday…
We are professionals. We play today and now we have time to rest, eat well and prepare for the next game.
Phoenix Rising FC head coach Patrice Carteron
Thoughts on the game…
It was a very nice game today. It was two different thoughts. The first half was really dominated by Kansas City and it was quite logical. Some strange decisions by the referee, but I don’t want to argue about it. But I think the first half was dominated by Kansas City and they deserved to lead. In the second half, I think we were much better than the first half. I think we deserved the draw and it’s a good result for us. To have a draw against such a good team, we are very proud. So I’m really proud to bring a point back to Phoenix for all of our fans. I’m sure they will come support us next week in the stadium.
Phoenix Rising FC defender Amadou Dia
Comments on the match…
It felt like it was a very slow game. There were a lot of fouls and a lot of stoppages. We could do better but we will take the result away.
Thoughts on his first two games with the team…
They are great. They were great taking me in. We are building every week and getting better and better and coming together. As the season goes on, I feel like we're going to come together even more and get better every practice and every game.
