Swope Park Rangers head coach Nikola Popovic
On the team's 1-0 victory...
We played well. We were able to keep the ball. We were able to make good decisions. And of course, when you score a goal the game gets easier and easier. So I think it was a very good win to continue the streak of three games in a row now that we've won.
On the team's introduction of new players...
I think this is very good because now we have more options and the guys are getting better at understanding each other and how we play. That's the most important part.
On the return of Kevin Oliveira...
Kevin did very well in his 45 minutes. He showed that he will get better and better. It's normal after so many months out that it will take a little bit of time for him.
Swope Park Rangers forward Mark Anthony Gonzalez
On his goal...
I was on the opposite side on the wing. (Kharlton) Belmar made a great play and got the cross in. I was trying to get to the front post as fast as I could with it being late in the game and everyone having a little bit of tired legs. Luckily, the goalkeeper played it out right onto my head and I had am empty net to put it away.
On making his season debut...
It feels great. It was a great atmosphere, as always. It was great to get out there and score for the fans.
On halftime adjustments...
I don't think we did anything differently in the second half. We pretty much stuck to our game plan. There were a lot of good saves on those scrambles in the box.
On the team's style of play this year...
Last year, we sat back a lot more and waited for the opponent to attack us. This year we want to keep the ball and possess it a lot more and force the opponent up the field into their own half.
Swope Park Rangers midfielder Kevin Oliveira
On his return from injury...
I am so excited. It's been a long time since I last played. The team has been doing a good job. It's been almost nine months and I've been doing hard work with the trainers. It felt good to be back.
On the team's performance tonight...
We were pretty good. The intensity was good. It's been a long time that I haven't played so in the end I felt a little fatigued. But I feel good.
Sacramento Republic FC head coach Paul Buckle
On the outcome of the game...
It was a tight game. Nil-nil at halftime, probably a bit unfair on Swope. But second half, we were in total control until the goal. It gave Swope something to hold onto. I thought Swope might tire near the end without playing in two weeks and we certainly had enough balls into the box at the end of the game. We just didn't have the runs in the box to really go and get onto the end of something. It's been a tough three games on the road for us but it's not an excuse. We need to reset and be better at home next Saturday.
On three consecutive road games...
We're professionals and we've got to dig in. A lot of teams are going to have to go away from home at the end of the season when they're tired. We should be fresh and we need to be better. It's not acceptable for us to lose two games back-to-back.
On recovering from the two losses...
Two 1-0 defeats against good sides away from home. Swope is a good side. OKC the same. What we need to do is analyze it. I'm pretty sure my eyes won't lie to me on what I saw tonight. It was a lack of willingness to get across your man and get onto something.
Sacramento Republic FC goalkeeper Dominik Jakubek
On being called into action throughout the match...
It's fun actually. You play as a goalie to make key saves. Fortunately, I had my teammates behind my back. A couple shots got through me and I think Emrah (Klimenta) was back there and Elliot Hord was able to block it off the line. For the most part, I don't want to sit back there and do nothing so I'm glad I got a couple saves.
On the team's performance...
To be honest, I don't think we played to our best ability. We kind of went away from our game plan a little bit. Maybe tired legs but I don't want to say it's that because that's just a cop out. It was a pretty even contest. We had some chances. I'm bummed on the goal because (Kharlton) Belmar did well, but I didn't get a good enough hand on it so I should have done better with that.
On his interaction with supporters...
I have a good way of getting the opposing fans to get on my side with a little bit of banter back to them. They made a couple good jokes so I told them, 'Yeah, you're probably right.' I play with them a little bit. For me, I've always done it as a goalkeeper because it's part of the game for me. I enjoy it and it actually makes me, believe it or not, stay more in tune to the game. I enjoy having a little conversation when there's time. Everywhere we go, the fans have been great. They were really good out here too. They had some good chants that were original.
