United head coach Ben Olsen
Overall thoughts on the game…
"The first half was pretty good. Then we gift them a goal seconds before the halftime whistle and that brings them into the game and brings the crowd into the game. They had a little bit more life about them in the second half, and we weren’t that competitive. Unfortunately we’re in a spot right now where this is an evaluation process. We’re figuring out who can cut it and who can’t."
On the mentality going into the last game at RFK following this result…
"Portland's a good team and this is a great venue. On any given day [Portland] can be as good as any team in the league. It’s a tough result but we will put it behind us because we have a big game this weekend against New York with a lot of hype behind it. The last game at RFK means a lot to all of our fans, so we’re going to end the season in the right way."
On United wants to achieve in their final match…
"We’re looking to build with the new guys. As a coach, I have the luxury to see which guys are willing to be a part of this and can cut it against a very good team in a good atmosphere. That’s of real value for us. Nobody likes to lose 4-0, but if you step aside for a second you can understand how this evaluation process is of value, seeing which guys on a day like this can hold up and do their part."
On which young United players are making names for themselves…
“Paul [Arriola] has already made a name for himself for the National Team and he’s certainly been a good addition, Russell [Canouse] as well. [Ian] Harkes has also gotten a lot of experience this year and that’s a positive. Again, we’re benefiting from the evaluation process with the younger guys. Jalen Robinson has held up well the times we’ve used him this year so there’s another young kid coming through. It’s one thing to be young and promising, but these guys also have to realize how to win games and be at their best in big moments and in tough moments, and that part we can continue improving. It’s been a trying season but the group’s a good one, I’m excited to work with them and build for next year."
United midfielder Russell Canouse
On overall thoughts of the match...
“I thought we started out well. We weathered the storm. We had some possession first half. Didn’t really make anything out of it. Had a couple chances. Would have been nice to go into halftime 0-0. Taking a goal like that isn’t the greatest. It’s tough. We tried to bring it together in halftime. Bring ourselves up, back to the way we started the game. Staying positive and stuff. Came out in the second half and had that second goal scored on us. It’s tough when you’re playing away like that in Portland. Fans are there supporting them. They have good players. Disappointing loss.”
On what to look forward to in the final game of the season…
“That’s a special game. Should be a lot of motivation for everyone. The Legend’s Game is before us and hopefully we can end the night out strong. I know it’s special for those older guys coming in and playing together again. For us to then go out and have our last game at R.F.K. [Stadium] that’s something special. Something special for me too, growing up there, watching a few games. I’m excited. It’s disappointing after tonight, but this week we can focus in training, look forward to that and hopefully finish the season out strong.”
On what he’s seen this season that the team can build on...
“I came in late obviously in the transfer window, but I see guys that want to fight here. I think we can build something special. Moving into the new stadium next season. Hopefully we can finish R.F.K. out strong and then we can just focus on building ourselves in the offseason coming into preseason strong and looking forward to the first game there. I’m really focused right now for the last game.”
United midfielder Ian Harkes
On overall thoughts on the match...
“I thought we were very disciplined first half. We knew they were going to be very organized and try and swing us. Get to the wingers and really tuck them in so they could overload us on the wings, but I thought we dealt with that really well in the first half. I thought our possession could have been a little bit better, especially when we were breaking them down. We were rushing it a little bit in the first half, but obviously the momentum shifted right before the end of the first half, which hurt us. Then it was up to us to keep our discipline in the second half and we got a little too stretched and they took advantage of it.”
On what makes Portland a dangerous team…
“They have all the pieces. Solid backline and three very good midfielders. [Diego] Valeri obviously has been on fire this season. All of our focus was on him, but they have [Darlington] Nagbe and [Diego] Chara that balance it out well and a strong attack. They just pull you apart. Good organization and good shape. They’re a very patient team.”
On United’s final game of the season...
“We just want to end the season on a high note, because it’s been a tough one for sure. We want to give the fans something to look forward to next year and finish out strong at R.F.K. [Stadium] which has been our home for years and years. Hopefully we can go into it strong and take points away from the Red Bulls. It’s definitely a big one for us to play for pride and play for momentum going into next season.”
On the mentality of the team after the second and third Portland goals were scored…
“It’s tough. It really deflates you. We were playing well, like I said, in the first half and the penalty is one thing, but then the two goals in the run of play. They were good finishes, but we could have dealt with it a little better. Taken those shots away. When they went in, obviously it’s tough to get everyone going again. Unfortunately we’ve been faced with that in the past.”
