Nashville SC and Louisville City FC personnel met with the media after today’s game in Derby City. See what they had to say here (quotes provided by NSC):
Head Coach Gary Smith
(On the game)
“The first 45 minutes of the game was very even. Neither group could find a way to carve any opportunities on what was a very difficult surface. The difference in the end, which is why they are champions and have an incredible home record, is because they play this pitch very, very well. It’s not easy to play on it. It doesn’t necessarily suit the players we have. They dealt with it a lot better than we have, certainly for moments that made a difference.”
(On the condition of the playing surface)
“You’ve got two different types of surface and the outfield, which covers a large portion of the ground, is not in very good shape either. Therefore, a more direct style, a style that doesn’t involve too much build up, is the way to go. That is why Tucker [Hume] came on. Taking nothing away from them, we both had to deal with it except that they know the field better than us. They managed it better.”
(On Nashville SC’s offensive performance)
“We did not threaten the goal enough. There were plenty of decent displays from an
industrious standpoint. Creatively we fell short of what we are capable of and what this team can achieve.”
(On the first half)
“As expected the opening ten minutes were fast and furious. I’m sure Louisville wanted to take advantage of us being a brand-new team and got on the front foot. But once we navigated the first ten minutes, we controlled some nice areas of the game. I thought we edged possession and passes completed in the first half, if I have seen the stats right. So going in at the break, I wasn’t at all concerned about them getting themselves in front or be the aggressor.”
(On Louisville’s opening goal)
“From a routine moment, a cross into the penalty area that has been dealt with 50 or 60 times tonight at both ends of the field. [Luke] Spencer, who is a real handful, out-jumps Justin Davis I believe, I need to look at it again. I find it incredibly hard to believe that a routine cross can worm its way to the far post like that. It changed the game.”
(Final thoughts heading into the home opener next week)
“Today will be a massive learning curve for us. We will for sure look forward to getting back home next week, in front of good crowd, on a good field in an environment that we will feel comfortable to win. It certainly won’t stop me thinking as I leave here today that we have fallen short on what we should have achieved.”
Midfielder Lebo Moloto
(On the game)
“It was a good game. I thought we played good in the first half. We created a couple of chances and had a couple of shots on target. They didn’t look like they were any better than us. In the second half, we kind of let the foot off the gas a little bit, and they scored two goals”
(On Louisville’s aggression in the second half)
“Yeah, I feel like they played with us but with more aggression. Second half they realized we were tough, so they just kept pumping the balls, and I feel like there are going to be teams that do that. We have to be better”
(On playing on the field)
“I’ve played on worse. We just have to deal with it, it happens. It wasn’t easy because we
couldn’t play our style of play or the way Gary wanted us to play, but first half we managed to keep it 0-0, but we lost the second half”
(On challenges of the field)
“The dimensions of the field are pretty short and tight. We had some good spells in the first half, moving the balls, we just couldn’t get that rhythm going. Hopefully that lets up going into the next game and next couple of games”
(On starting the season)
“It was good. We played our way but kind of felt like it wasn’t home. We had the fans out there, just too bad we couldn’t get a win for them this weekend. We’ll come back next week and hopefully get three points”
(On preparing for Nissan)
“Yeah. Home games are the best ones, but we still need to get points away. If we can get a tie, that’s great but if we get three points, that’s awesome. Obviously, home games are a must. We need to get three points.”
LOUISVILLE CITY QUOTES
Head Coach James O’Connor
(On the match)
“Really pleased. I think when you look at everything that’s been thrown at the players in the preseason, I think it’s been fantastic. The mentality that they showed was really good and I thought the performance was very professional and very strong.”
(On Niall McCabe)
“I’m absolutely thrilled for Niall. It was a great ball in and a great goal. Not just Niall, though, when you look at all the guys and how hard they’ve worked, it’s been pleasing to see the effort, the attitude, and the togetherness. The mentality they showed was really, really good. For me, it’s a proud moment because you look at how good that performance was and we’re very, very pleased.”
(On Nashville)
“When you look at Nashville, I think they’re going to go on and have a very strong year. When you look at the game and the first half, it was a tactical battle at times. For us to be able to go and get a win like that, it’s very encouraging. But, it’s one win. We have a really tough game coming up next Saturday, so we’ll keep the usual focus and be ready for that.”
(On preparations)
“It was difficult. It’s always a challenge because you look and you’re trying to double guess personnel, double guess formations, but again when you look at the growth of the USL and the way that there are another six or seven teams coming in next year and everyone who came in … You’re going to play against teams that have brand new franchises.”
(On his formation)
“For me, it’s about space. It’s not necessarily formation, it’s trying to understand spatial awareness. That’s something our players have really been able to take on board.”
Midfielder Niall McCabe
(On his day)
“It’s been a good day! Ireland won their grand slam at Six Nations, and Paddy’s Day, and a good start for us today… It’s kind of the perfect day, if you will.”
(On his goal)
“We played real nice combination play. Luke dummied two defenders and played a real nice ball down the side for Oscar, and I can’t credit Oscar enough; he really needed to smash the ball across, it’s the only way it could’ve gotten the pass to me. From two yards out, I’d hope I wouldn’t miss so thankfully I was able to get in a good position and help the team to put the goal away.”
(On the tactics)
“We talked about just getting more room in behind. I felt like we were playing too much in front of them and it was easier to defend. We got runners in behind to try and stretch their back five and cause them more trouble … I felt like we did a really good job in the second half of doing that. They’re a good team. They didn’t let us play the way we had hoped to. As a first-year team, they came out all guns blazing so credit to them. They made it really difficult for us.”
(On what separates his play)
“Just the will to win. I want to win… everything. Last year was great but we all want more. I think we’re just so competitive. Every day in training, it doesn’t matter if it’s 4v4 or 5v5 or whatever, everyone wants to win. So when we go out on a Saturday, it’s the mentality. We all want to improve and take the next step… It’s about showing up everyday and doing the right things.”
Club and Country 