Swope Park Rangers Head Coach Paulo Nagamura
Thoughts on today’s performance…
I think they did great. I think they stuck with the game plan. I think, of course, it was a warm day and a different scenario than we had in the past, but the guys were very disciplined to the game plan. At the end, I think we deserved the three points.
On Wilson Harris and his time played…
It is his third game actually but I think he did really well in the 45 minutes. He worked. He tried to get involved and get his touches there up top. We continue to assess the young players. That is their whole goal. I always say that because that is our goal. We want to keep pushing those young guys to make the next level. It is integrating them step by step to make sure that they can go smoothly and they have success when they step on the field.
On Barry’s early goal and how it changed the game…
To be honest, it did not change at all the way that we wanted to approach the game. We had a game plan and I think the guys stuck to the game plan for 90 minutes. At the end, it was a very good overall performance by the team.
On the effect of the heat…
Absolutely. It was probably 95 degrees out there. It slows the game down a little bit, but we knew coming in that it was going to be like this. We adjusted a little bit in the way we approached the game. It is what it is. It affects both sides. We adapted and we executed the game plan really well and that resulted in three points for us.
On preparing for Saint Louis FC next week…
The same way we keep preparing. Of course, the guys need a day off to rest up because of it was a demanding game and a warm day here. We will keep doing what we are doing. I think we want to be consistent in what we do. We will do the same work we have been doing.
Swope Park Rangers forward Hadji Barry
On his early goal affecting the pace of the game…
It was great to get off to a good start. Getting that goal kind of gave us some momentum going forward, especially on a hot day like this. It was as great start by us.
On playing every game this season…
The coaching staff has trust in me and the guys are on me to help me go out there every day and give my all.
On working together today…
I think we really did, especially on a hot day like this. Everybody gave 100 percent, and that is all we ask for to work hard, especially to protect our home field.
On preparing for Saint Louis FC…
That is a rivalry game, you know. They are a cross-state rival. We will be prepared. It was good to get this win and now we are going to prepare for a week to go down to St. Louis and hopefully get three points.
Phoenix Rising FC Assistant Coach Blair Gavin
On the effect of an early SPR goal…
Well it is never in the game plan to give up a goal so early, so I think it definitely made a difference in the game, but we had a long time to come back from that.
On adjustments during half time…
I think it was more of a spirit, trying to push the guys to continue pushing, continue fighting and seeing the goal and the opportunities were there. To get over the hump and believe that you can score.
On today’s heat…
I do not know. I would have to speak to the players, but it is hot and humid. It does make things difficult but at the same time we deal with this weather and we expect to be fine.
On preparing for the next game…
We have to make sure everyone gets recovered and we have to make a game plan for a very good St. Louis team.
