Head Coach Ben Olsen
Overall thoughts of the match…
"There are a lot of things to work on which is normal at this stage in preseason. It was nice to play an MLS team in our second real preseason test after playing Malmö last week. We got the opportunity to size ourselves up against the caliber of teams we’ll play this season. It was a positive that we scored two goals… in contrast to last season our offense got plenty of looks on goal and we finished our opportunities. Defensively, we were able to defend the box and execute what we’ve been working on in training as far as defensive shape. Ball retention is still an issue and we gave the ball away cheaply at times today and we weren’t always secure in possession after we won it back. It’s one of the areas that we need to work on and it cost us possession today but overall it was another big step for a group that hasn’t played a lot together."
On any players who stood out today…
"Steve Clark played well and I thought the back four were sharp and did a good job at defending the box. Darren [Mattocks] is a handful for defenders and we’re going to ask for more from him. Ulises was also a nice offseason acquisition for us. There are some tired guys who are still in preseason mode and need to get some rust off but that’s normal in preseason."
On Yamil Asad’s first appearance…
“It was good but we’ve got to get Yamil [Asad] up to speed. He hasn’t been with the team as long as some of the others so right now he’s got heavy legs and we’re getting him some extra fitness to get to the level of aerobic capacity of the rest of the group. It’s always tough to play while you’re working on your fitness but when he rounds that corner he’s going to be a great piece for us.”
On what he wants to see from the team in the remaining two preseason games…
“We need to focus on continuing to secure possession when we win it and being dangerous. We want to work on understanding how and when to press as a team while being more cohesive on the defensive side of the ball. It’s another big step and I’m pleased with the overall performance of the group.“
On Zoltán Stieber’s performance…
“Stieber had a good game. Playing him centrally was a slightly different look for him… at least with us. You can see that he’s a player that comes inside onto his preferred left foot. He has the vision to pick out players and his service is dangerous and accurate. He’s also willing to put in the selfless work defensively to help out the number six. I was happy with Stieber today.“
Forward Darren Mattocks
On his goal in the first half…
“I saw [Steiber] lift up his head and saw the ball going right at the back post where I just nodded it in.”
On how he’s settling in with the team...
“It’s good. I am getting playing time which is what I’ve always wanted. I’m grateful for the opportunity to represent D.C. I think we’re a really great team with a good bunch of guys. Ben [Olsen] has been good, all the players have been good and the coaching staff has been excellent. We’re just taking it one step at a time and we should be ready to go once the season starts."
On what else the team needs to work on before the start of the season...
“Just our fitness, I think we need to get match fit and that all comes down to playing more games. I think we also need to get a bit more organized on defense, but that should come with practice and we’re right on our way.”
On playing with teammate Zoltán Steiber...
“He’s a good player and when you play with good players the rest is easy. We’ve already got a pretty good connection and he already knows my style of play. Hopefully that keeps going throughout the season.”
On competing for playing time heading into the season...
“I’m not worried about competition. Every time I step on the field I’m here to give my best and for me that’s good enough. Hopefully i’ll continue scoring goals.”
