Interim Head Coach Chris Little
On the takeaways from the draw with Vancouver
[Some] positives for the game, we're getting good spirit, good fight from the group. I thought we showed a lot of quality as well, [there's been] seven goals in four games. So we're getting chance creation, we've been positive, we're getting the right numbers in the box, some good chances in the game. So lots of positives to take, some individuals getting on the score sheet. [We're] building confidence. We can see that grow in each game. But then also some things to take away about a two-one lead at home with 10, 12 minutes to go, we need to get that mentality that we have to win home games, so to not manage the game and not see that lead out, gives us a bit of a chip and a point to prove. And it's great because we have another game coming up obviously very quickly with Austin tomorrow.
On the focus in approach against Austin
The focus is always for us has been just putting the focus back on us and concentrating on our identity, getting the spirit and the mentality right within our group as we're starting to rebuild the confidence, but Austin have very good players. We've always had tough games, a lot of respect for the way they play and the things that they do. It's another tough game. Every game here in MLS is tough, but the focus is on us, our approach, our mentality, our spirit. We're hoping we can impose ourselves on Austin and make it a tough day here for them.
On the competition seen in training and games for Starting XI positions, contract extensions in offseason
I think when you are in the position we're in and you're eliminated from the playoffs, you see a little bit about the group. We've been in losing positions and fought back in games. We've shown a lot of spirit and a lot of fight, so that's starting to show everyone about the mentality and the character of this group of players. We're really pleased with that. We're constantly trying to create positivity and rebuilding confidence in the group. We're starting to see that from the chance creatin, the goals that we're scoring, and seven games in 22 days. There's obviously a lot of rotation. We're having to keep players fresh, giving players opportunities, also maintaining a balance and identity to who we are and establishing relationships, so the guys have been fantastic with us so far. Everybody understands our situation and we just hope we can give our fans a win at home here tomorrow.
Striker Calvin Harris
On the positives taken from his individual and the team's performance against Vancouver
Personally, it's good to come on at halftime and to make an impact so soon into the second half. So for me personally, that was great to come on into getting the assist for Diego. For the team, starting well is a big thing for us, and we need to bring that into the game against Austin because we clearly have shown that when we are playing full, and we're in full confidence and full flow, that we can score goals and be a threat.
On his impact off the bench
It's been great for me, personally, to come into games. In the first half of the season I didn't get much game time. But coming into the second half at the end of the season, I've been getting more time, and it's great to get assists and goals and to help the team, but at the end of the day, it's with the team and with the results that we're getting. So we just need to carry on, try and get some more results.
On taking advantage of the altitude and Austin's tendency to give up goals late in games
I think the main thing for us is to play our football, to be strong and relentless from the start of the game, not just waiting to the end to pick up steam. And if we play our football, we know that we can beat this team, so it's all on us really and on our performances.
