Swope Park Rangers Head Coach Paulo Nagamura
On today’s game…
It was an exciting game for those watching. I don’t think we had our best performance. We did not come out ready to play and we were lacking movement, not making plays, not taking care of the ball. We allowed Las Vegas to get into the game much more than I think they should. I am disappointed because we gave them a chance for them to come back into the game 20 minutes into the second half, but I am happy with the result overall because they fought for 90 minutes. Even though they fought, we were not at our best, but they gave their all. To be honest, it was good to see that we can sustain the mentality for 90 minutes.
On Christian Herrera’s first start…
I think he did well. I think he was solid even though we conceded two goals. He was calm with the ball. He made some saves besides the last call, I need to see it on the replay, but I do not think he should have gone down on that play and give them a chance to maybe tie the game. Overall, I was happy with him and he did a nice job on the performance.
On the intensity of the match...
Well if you know about soccer, it is how some teams try to approach games. You have to be composed. You have to be mentally strong because that is how they think they are going to manage to win the game. Even though we lost our heads a little bit in the end there, I am happy with how they reacted and how they handled themselves with those kinds of things they threw at us.
Swope Park Rangers goalkeeper Christian Herrera
On his first start…
You know the nerves are always there, but I think it was fun. It was a dream come true for me and I enjoyed it a lot.
On the penalty kick...
I did film on this team and they are a crazy team, so I was kind of just expecting anything. So, I just said stand in the middle and just wait as much as you can. Luckily, I waited long enough and was able to react.
Swope Park Rangers midfielder Wan Kuzain Wan Kamal
On the feeling of scoring…
Fantastic. Obviously I got to score in MLS and now to finally score in the USL, as well. It is a great feeling.
On the emotions of the game…
We knew coming in that Las Vegas was a team that does whatever it takes to win and we saw it our first game that they were just pulling anything. We saw it today at the end of the game with that PK. We were prepared, but obviously they had some tricks up their sleeve.
On doing double time with SKC and SPR…
Two crazy games, both really emotional and it has taken a lot out of us. Two crazy good games.
On mental and physical fatigue…
I think being in my first season in MLS and switching back and forth between Swope and an MLS team is a lot, but I think as time goes you just grow as a person and hopefully as time goes on we get accustomed to that.
Las Vegas Lights FC head coach Isidro Sanchez
On the team's performance...
As a coach, my biggest objective is to have 11 players on a team who represent what I am. I think I am a disciplined person who puts forth a lot of effort and never gives up. Today, my team, I saw exactly the same. They stuck to the game plan, were very disciplined and never gave up. Me, selfishly, I achieved one of my goals.
On the result...
I feel proud. That’s the romantic thing. There were so many good things we got out of this game. If it was the final game, we’d be more pissed off. But it’s Week 15, and we have many games left. In these long tournaments, it gives you an opportunity to take good things from the losses. Now we have a lot to do, because there is a lot to extract from this game.
On the penalty...
That’s a play we have been looking for, practicing since the first week (in January). This is a risky play, and most teams who do it, do it when they are winning 4-0 or 5-0. For me, that’s just bullying or taking advantage of the opponent. You have to practice it and have courage to make it in these kinds of moments. It showed that this team is brave.
On the Rangers loanees from Sporting KC...
We were expecting since Monday the best Swope Park Rangers, because Sporting Kansas City was playing (at home) yesterday. For our players, if you want to show you’re the best, show you belong in MLS, show you belong in the playoffs, you have to show it against these kinds of teams.
