Sporting KC Manager Peter Vermes
On Tim Melia’s performance tonight…
I think he was the man of the match. The 1-v-1 save that he had in the second half where he came off his line as quick as he did, that was a tremendous save. You also have to say a lot about the back line as well in that they did a very good job in covering a few times.
On Melia keeping an even keel during the losing streak…
I don’t think he needs to get down about anything. I think he’s been excellent for us since he’s come in. He’s been a big reason why we are sitting in the position we are sitting in. You’re talking about some of the goals that he’s given up recently, but I would say they weren’t his fault. There is no reason he should be lacking confidence.
On the return of Soni Mustivar…
I thought he was definitely a big help to us. He covers a lot of ground in the game and breaks up a lot of plays. The bottom line was that he is important to the way that we play because of the way that we play with him behind the two other midfielders and then on top of that with how he front-screens the other guys. His work ethic is a big positive for the team.
On getting the shutout…
It’s good to get a shutout and the guys played well. Getting a point was a very good thing.
Sporting Kansas City defender Matt Besler
On the match…
“This is always a very difficult place to play. It was a hard-fought draw. I tell you the real winner today is the city of Portland. Every time we come here it gets harder to leave. I bet you guys put something in the water.”
On goalkeeper Tim Melia’s performance…
“Where do you start with Tim’s performance tonight? It’s definitely a team performance. Everybody put in the effort, the guys in front of us but the guy behind me was incredible. He made three or four highlight reel saves that kept us in the game. Without him I don’t know if we get a point tonight but that’s what we expect out of him. We believe he’s one of the best goalkeepers in the league.”
Sporting Kansas City goalkeeper Tim Melia
On the overall performance…
“I’m just happy we got the result. We came here and we’ve been on a couple rough games. We’ve lost three on the trot. I think it was really important for us to come in here and get back to basics. For us, the most important thing is keeping zeros. We don’t get scored on we have enough quality players on this team to grind out results. I think all things considered I’m really happy with the way the guys played tonight.”
On if Portland has a reputation on making goalkeepers perform their career bests…
“I don’t think it’s that. You want to have your best game every game. You want to do whatever you can to make sure you’re putting your team in the best situation to win a game but it’s a fun place to play. It has a good atmosphere and I think the guys get excited to play in environments like this. I know I do.”
