Sporting Kansas City Manager Peter Vermes
Thoughts on the team’s performance…
Tonight, our work rate was unbelievable to come back from being behind a goal. (San Jose) works very hard on the field, but we had something different today. We played with a lot of pride and I hope that the fans understand that we played for them today.
On the play of Graham Smith…
I thought he was very good. Each game, he gets a little bit better. He’s just got to keep pushing.
On the play of Luis Martins…
I was impressed that he went 90 minutes. We had to make changes in different places to help the team and he found a way. I thought he did a really good job. He was good defensively. There’s a lot more in him going forward, but it’s part of his fitness. He was smart. He managed the game really well.
On the quick turnaround to face Minnesota…
We’ve got to take our next step. Minnesota is one of the best teams in the league right now. It’s going to be a very difficult match so we’ve got to come to play.
Sporting Kansas City defender Graham Smith
On his first professional goal…
I kind of got in the box late, which is why I think I was open there. Johnny (Russell) hit a good free kick like he always does. Vega saved it and it went off the top corner and it kind of just found me there. That would have been a shame if I missed that. In the moment, I wasn’t really thinking of a whole lot. I think it will set in a little later.
Thoughts on the match-up with San Jose…
That’s a side that’s really bought in, but we came in with a plan and we executed our plan. That’s why we came out with the win.
On kicking off the homestand with a win…
We need to win every game we have left. We need to get points. This is a good start, but by no means is the season over. This is a step in the right direction. We’re going to take this momentum and move it forward.
Sporting Kansas City midfielder Roger Espinoza
Thoughts on the match…
It feels great. We proved today that we can still keep up. We had a bad run early and they scored the goal. We showed grit. At the end of the day, I’m very happy that the guys were able to work hard even though we played two matches (in close proximity) before this in the heat here in Kansas City and in Orlando. The guys were mentally prepared for this game.
On the physicality in the game…
We play for the fans and for the people every day that come to the facilities. They’re there for us every day. We know it’s tough. Stuff happens sometimes and we knew the game was going to be physical. We worked very hard. I’m glad that we were able to show both sides – keeping the ball and the physical side.
On Graham Smith scoring the game-winning goal….
He’s from Denver, Colorado. We grew up over there. We’ve got tough people out there. Congratulations to him. It’s great to see him score and work hard. When he got the chance, he was able to take the best of it. It’s good. I’m happy for him.
On setting an example with his work ethic…
Today, I gave everything I had. It’s a good thing we were able to win.
San Jose Earthquakes head coach Matias Almeyda
Thoughts on the match…
I think it was an even game. Each team had one half. Even though we had our chances to go up one goal, in the second half they scored more goals than us. They stepped up their lines and that’s why they beat us.
On the match-up with LAFC…
I think all opponents are hard for us and this opponent is the one making the biggest difference in the league. We’ve played against them twice and lost twice. We’ll try to do the best that we can.
On the debut of Andres Rios…
I don’t focus on one player. I look at the whole team in general. My main thing is to see how the team is doing.
San Jose Earthquakes forward Chris Wondolowski
On the game…
A little frustrating. I thought KC came out in the second half and played extremely well. We came out a little flat and got punished and rightfully so.
On his goal…
It was a designed set piece, something that we work on in the training ground. Great ball by Cristian (Espinoza) and he put it on a platter.
On scoring at least 10 goals for 10 consecutive seasons…
It’s pretty cool, I really wish it came on a win but I’m very proud of that and hope to keep it going.
