MLS Minnesota United FC

MNUFC Captures Point in First Game at Allianz Field

Published on April 13, 2019 under Major League Soccer (MLS)
Minnesota United FC News Release


SAINT PAUL, Minn. -- On a historic day for Minnesota United and soccer in Minnesota, the Loons hosted New York City FC for the Inaugural Home Opener of Allianz Field in the Midway neighborhood of Saint Paul. Looking to rebound from a disappointing start to the season, NYCFC came out fired up, while Minnesota United brought the energy in the hopes of earning a win for their fans in this first game at their new home. Despite a thrilling contest with goals on both sides, the game would end in a 3-3 draw and a point for each side.

"I'm sure for the neutral, it was an entertaining game," said Head Coach Adrian Heath. "Not too good for the both coaches I wouldn't have thought. The game was too open for my liking. We gave away three poor goals. They didn't have to work hard enough for the goals. So, for us to come out of the game with something, I'm pleased for that."

As expected, Minnesota came out of the gates firing on all cylinders, brimming with energy and intensity. In just the fourth minute, forward Angelo Rodriguez nearly opened the scoring after midfielder Darwin Quintero corralled a squirrelly ball in the box and got it over to him in front of goal. Unfortunately, his header went over the bar.

Minutes later, defender Francisco Calvo would get his opportunity to give it a go when Jan Gregus' corner kick found him in the air. His header would, alas, also go over the bar. But the unmistakable feeling of the game at the moment was that the Loons were knocking on the door early.

"You're looking at players running into spots that they shouldn't do," said Heath about the surfeit of energy. "And that's a lot getting caught up in the day. I thought there were some outstanding performances. I thought Romain Metanire was incredible. I don't know what his physical stats will be, but my God, he kept going. And then Ethan Finlay down that side, were really, really good in the first half."

History would be made in the 13th minute when defender Romain Metanire received the ball on the right wing and fired a looping cross in that would find Rodriguez. His header from the far post was repelled by Alex Ring but it fell directly into the path of midfielder Osvaldo Alonso who volleyed the ball and buried it in the back of the net for the first goal and first Minnesota United goal at Allianz Field.

The Loons' 1-0 lead would not last long, though, as New York City's Ismael Tajouri-Shradi would loft a clean pass over the top of the Minnesota defense on the right wing and directly to Valentin Castellanos. Castellanos snuck through the defense and threaded it home to knot the game at 1-1 in the 16th minute.

Barely two minutes later, it would be Tajouri-Shradi again, this time with the finish. Although the initial attack by NYCFC was rebuffed when Alonso got a block on Tajouri-Shradi's initial shot, the rebound bounced back to him and he would not be denied a second time as he put the visitors on top 2-1.

But another two minutes had hardly passed when Minnesota struck back. Midfielder Ethan Finlay released beautifully down the right wing and received a long ball over the top from midfielder Jan Gregus. Pelting forward, he fired it across and onto the head of Rodriguez, who nodded it confidently into the back of the net to level the game at 2-2.

"It was a pretty large cat and mouse game," said Heath. "We'd been trying to guess their team all week as I'm sure they were trying to guess ours. So, they caught us at a little surprise with their formation, the way that they played. But, you know, one thing I did say, that they have good players. They have really good, comfortable footballers. They're all good on the ball, and if you go chasing it, individually, rather than a tight block, keep yourself nice and compact, they will pick you off. They did that too much, certainly in the first half."

Following the flurry of goals - four in seven minutes - the game settled down a bit, especially after play had to be suspended for a few minutes when defender Michael Boxall received a bloody nose. It seemed as if the teams were settling into the game a bit when a major miscue by NYC put the Loons back on top. In position to receive a back pass on the near post of his goal, goalkeeper Sean Johnson let the ball roll right past his foot and into the goal. Johnson would have to endure copious harassment from the Wonderwall in the second half with every touch following that.

In the 41st minute, it looked for a moment like Minnesota United would have a chance to expand the lead from the spot when Finlay was shoved down in the box after getting loose down the wing, but a video review determined that he had been offside on the initial movement. As such, the teams would end up going into the locker room with the home side on top 3-2.

"I thought Romain [Metanire] was outstanding today," said Heath. "I thought he was the best player on the field. I really do. Defensively, in good spots. And attacking-wise, incredible energy. Him and Ethan work really well together there on that side in the first half, and obviously that's why they made the change."

In an attempt to stymie what was that effective Minnesota link-up down the right side with Metanire and Finlay, New York City brought on Alexandru Mitrita to put pressure down the left wing in attack. The move subdued Minnesota's attack - at least initially - and led to an opportunity down the middle when Castellanos got around goalkeeper Vito Mannone who had come out of his box and slotted home a shot, but video review showed him settling the ball with his arm and the goal was called off.

In the 64th minute though, a stern challenge from 61st minute substitute Rasmus Schuller on the right wing led to a free kick in a dangerous position. Tajouri-Shradi lined it up and with Minnesota's defense pushed up a bit too high, the ball sailed directly in on the far post to once again pull the game level at 3-3.

From there, the teams vied for control of the game in different ways. Bringing on Schuller shifted the formation from the team's usual 4-2-3-1 into more of a 4-3-3 that could drop into a 4-4-2 on defense with Finlay settling back. As Mitrita worked his way into the game, he began to line up some chances down the left wing.

Quintero was eventually subbed off for forward Abu Danladi in the hopes of injecting a shot of energy in the 78th minute, and then, in the 79th minute, Rodriguez's hold up play earned the Loons a free kick just outside the box. Gregus went direct and forced a tough save by Johnson that led to a corner kick. Minutes later, the Loons would have to go to the bench again after Castellanos knocked heads with defender Ike Opara and opened up a sizable cut on the defender's head.

In the end, neither team could eke out a winner and Minnesota United would end its home opener with a 3-3 draw and a point.

"Last week going to the Red Bulls, if we would have said we'd get four points over the next two games, we would have probably taken it," said Heath. "But obviously today, we wanted it to be a special day for everybody. It's been a great day, and pretty much relieved it's out of the way now and we can concentrate on just doing what we do, which is playing football. I'm glad that it's all over. I'm glad that we didn't lose. I thought our supporters were magnificent. I thought the noise in the stadium was incredible. And it bodes for better times ahead."

Minnesota United's next game is on Friday, April 19 at BMO Field against Toronto FC. That game kicks off at 7:00 p.m. CT with pregame coverage beginning at 6:30 p.m. on FOX Sports North+, streaming on FOX Sports GO and on MNUFC Radio on SKOR North.

Lineups

Minnesota United FC Starting XI: GK Vito Mannone; D Romain Metanire, Ike Opara (Brent Kallman 84'), Michael Boxall, Francisco Calvo; M Jan Gregus, Osvaldo Alonso, Ethan Finlay, Romario Ibarra (Rasmus Schuller 61'), Darwin Quintero (Abu Danladi 78'); F Angelo Rodriguez

MIN Unused Subs: GK Bobby Shuttleworth; D Eric Miller; M Kevin Molino, Lawrence Olum

New York City FC Starting XI: GK Sean Johnson; D James Sands, Maxime Chanot, Tony Rocha (Alexandru Mitrita HT); M Alexander Ring, Anton Tinnerholm, Ebenezer Ofori, Ronald Matarrita; F Ismael Tajouri-Shradi (Jesus Medina 79'), Maximiliano Moralez, Valentin Castellanos (Heber 86')

NYC Unused Subs: GK Brad Stuver; D Ben Sweat, Sebastien Ibeagha; M Keaton Parks

Game Events

Goals

13' - Alonso - MIN

16' - Castellanos (Tajouri-Shradi, Tinnerholm) - NYC

18' - Castellanos - NYC

20' - Rodriguez (Finlay, Gregus) - MIN

32' - Own Goal (Johnson) - MIN

64' - Tajouri-Shradi - NYC

Discipline

8' - Alonso (YC) - MIN

70' - Calvo (YC) - MIN

MNUFC QUOTE SHEET

MINNESOTA UNITED HEAD COACH ADRIAN HEATH

On two dropped points at home, and if it hurts a little more given the day...

A little bit. But, hey. I'm sure for the neutral, it was an entertaining game. Not too good for the both coaches I wouldn't have thought. The game was too open for my liking. We gave away three poor goals. They didn't have to work hard enough for the goals. So, for us to come out of the game with something, I'm pleased for that. Last week going to the Red Bulls, if we would have said we'd get four points over the next two games, we would have probably it. But obviously today, we wanted it to be a special day for everybody. It's been a great day, and pretty much relieved it's out of the way now and we can concentrate on just doing what we do, which is playing football and not doing an interview every 20 minutes about the stadium. I'm glad that it's all over. I'm glad that we didn't lose. I thought our supporters were magnificent. I thought the noise in the stadium was incredible. And it bows for better times ahead I think.

On if it took a while for the emotion of the moment to get the game to settle in...

A little bit. And you know, you're looking at players running into spots that they shouldn't do. And that's a lot getting caught up in the day. I thought there were some outstanding performances. I thought Romain Metanire was incredible. I don't know what his physical stats will be, but my God, he kept going. And then Ethan Finlay down that side, were really, really good in the first half. And I don't think we utilized that enough. You know, even the second goal, we played short to [Michael] Boxy when all our successes were coming down that side. And that's probably why they made the change at halftime. It's a disappointment, but it's a point and you should never, ever underestimate one point.

On if he thought the right flank was going to be a strength going into this game...

Well it was a pretty large cat and mouse game. We'd been trying to guess their team all week as I'm sure they were trying to guess ours. So, they caught us at a little surprise with their formation, the way that they played. But, you know, one thing I did say, that they have good players. They have really good, comfortable footballers. They're all good on the ball, and if you go chasing it, individually, rather than a tight block, keep yourself nice and compact, they will pick you off. They did that too much, certainly in the first half. And in the second half, you know, the players in their enthusiasm to go and try and win the game, you leave yourself open to the counterattack. So, I wasn't sure we were going to get one, and then I'm thinking, well they might knick one on the break. So, probably don't all think the same that a point might have been a fair result in the end.

On how he felt about Darwin Quintero's return to the line-up...

It was one of those days for him today. Not a lot came off for him. We made the change later on. But. There will certainly be bad days for Darwin [Quintero].

On if it was always the plan to ease Darwin Quintero's minutes...

No, no, no. We wanted to see how it was. You know, obviously, when the game was getting so end to end, we felt that the extra athleticism of Abu [Danladi] and his pace would actually help us, which he did a little bit.

On when the last time was that he saw a goal like Minnesota United's third one, or had he ever...

When was the last time? Probably not. It didn't mean as much, anyway. Last time was so long. No, but obviously it's one of those things that people keep talking about it, but he's a really good keeper. He's a good boy. He'll recover from that.

On what the scene was like for him pregame...

We knew it was going to be quite an emotional day for a lot of people. I was so pleased for Dr. McGuire and the ownership group. It's something that was a dream, high in the sky two or three years ago. To see the stadium full, the atmosphere inside the stadium. I'm really pleased for a lot of people.

On if there was something redeeming about seeing the stadium opened, after the way his last job ended...

Yeah, it is. I just, as I say, I thought our crowd, the crowd was magnificent. The noise in the stadium was everything we thought it was going to be. It was an exciting game, obviously there was goals, as well. Overall, it was probably a fair result, but it was obviously a disappointment that we didn't go the whole three and send anybody home happy.

On how his heartrate was during the middle third of the first half ...

It's never good. Now, as I said, the game was too open. It was too end to end. It was like the feeling of a playoff game when somebody had to win at the day. As I said to the boys at halftime, yeah, we want to go and win the game, but don't let charging around the field, trying to win it and then lose the game. That was the message. Towards the end, we got some momentum and I thought we were actually going to knick it. But, you know, with the quality that they have on the break, I was always mindful that we were taking chances with the amount of bodies that were in the box.

On how Ike Opara is doing ...

I haven't seen him. But apparently a pretty bad cut.

On the nine corners that he had, and if he liked what he saw on those nine...

Well, you know. [Francisco] Calvo had a good opportunity in the first half. Jan [Gregus] puts good balls in. We keep putting the ball in the right area - because that's the secret - consistency putting the ball in the right area. We have enough size to make things happen in the penalty area.

On went into the decision to put Romario Ibarra in for the start over Abu Danladi...

We just thought that, I thought the game would lend itself for Abu [Danladi] coming on when the game got stretched, yeah.

On Kevin Molino being ready to play...

Yep, [Kevin] Molino is ready. Obviously with the situation with Ike [Opara], that made sort of, made us use him as a defender. Ideally, we would have tried to get him on at some stage today, but when you've been out for 10 months, I'm not sure you're worried about one day.

On the more success from attacking on the right versus the left, and what he attributes to that...

I thought Romain [Metanire] was outstanding today. I thought he was the best player on the field. I really do. Defensively, in good spots. And attacking-wise, incredible energy. Him and Ethan work really well together there on that side in the first half, and obviously that's why they made the change. And then we made the change later, we took Darwin [Quintero] off and met more of a 4-3-3. And I thought that helped us as well. You know, because they had the extra body in there, and [Maximiliano] Moralez, he's so smart, coming in and joining in at the right time. So, overall, it was disappointment but I'm pleased that we've come out of here with something.

MINNESOTA UNITED MIDFIELDER ETHAN FINLAY

On the feeling of the first game at Allianz Field...

It was a real special moment, obviously, for the players, the fans, everyone who's been a part of this long journey. Absolutely special moment, obviously disappointed with the result today, we want to get three points. It was long time coming but can't fault the effort.

On the atmosphere of the stadium...

It was better. This will probably be the only time I'll ever in my career have the opportunity to do what we did today and open a new stadium and be a part of that. It was special, I had hairs in the back of my neck standing up as we came out of that tunnel, just to hear the fans, for, I don't know you can't even say 90-minutes, what was it 98, 99 minutes, obviously, when you include the stoppage time. A special day.

On this day meaning more being a native Minnesotan...

"Yea, obviously, I never thought this day would come. I mean, I grew up, went to high school in Marshfield, Wisconsin, about three hours away from here. If I wanted to go to a professional game, we had to drive six hours to Chicago - that's an easy three hour drive and I think there's some fans from Marshfield as well. That's cool, it's going to be unique for our part of the country, we're going to draw fans from all over the north Midwest, I guess. It's a special day.

On how well the attack on the right worked for the team today...

Yea, I think the first half, obviously, when they kinda played the three-back, five-back system, we had a great opportunity to try to expose them over there, Tony Rocha stepping in, and we were able to do that in the first half. When they went to the four-back system, it was little more difficult, but I think Romain and I are starting to get a little but more a rapport, obviously and we hope to build on that.

On Romain's performance today...

I thought it was good. I mean, this guy is end-to-end, and you can see his service, and the quality of his service, his ability make a pass, even as a rightback. He continues to improve week after week.

On the team's third goal...

I have, but more on TV, on the blooper reel but, honestly, you have to credit that to the pressure of the guys up front. I thought Angelo and Darwin, we talked about it midweek, we've talked about it in prior weeks, they really set the tempo and today was no different. Those guys should get an assist on that because the pressure they started with put Sean under the pressure and he made a poor touch and we got a goal out of it. Hopefully, in the future, we can nick more of those.

On Heath's comment about the game being too open, and what does the team do to fight that...

Yea, you know it's tough because it's being the home opener, the tempo, we start to feed off the crowd and you saw that. We start to kind of pick up and maybe we have a little sense of urgency and maybe lose track of it. Look, there's maybe two moments there in the last ten, 15 minutes where they could actually steal a winner. So we have to conscious of that going forward but the fans were a huge part of that late in the game and we just have to manage their intensity and channel it the right way.

MINNESOTA UNITED MIDFIELD OSVALDO ALONSO

On what it means to be the player to score the first goal in Allianz Field...

It means a lot! I never thought I would score the first goal in the new stadium. I'm very happy for the goal but disappointed in the result but we have to keep going.

On his thoughts on the atmosphere of Allianz Field opening...

It was great! It was amazing. Being in front of the 20,000 fans screaming.

On the moment he scored...

It was crazy! When I saw the ball, I thought I had it, I hit it well, I scored a goal and people started screaming, It was a great move from me I'm never going to forget it.

On the energy building up to the stadium opening is what made it such an open game...

Frist game in the new stadium, disappointed in the result but happy for the goal.

On the response of the team after NYCFC scores two goals...

[SPA]Fue un partido intenso, primer partido abriendo un estadio siempre es intenso. Pienso que no fue el resultado que queríamos, pero bueno es un punto importante y seguir trabajando, la temporada es larga.

[ENG]The game was intense, the first game opening a new stadium is always intense. I think this wasn't the result we wanted but it's an important point and we'll keep working hard, it's a long season.

MINNESOTA UNITED DEFENDER BRENT KALLMAN

On having grown up in Woodbury and what it was like to play at Allianz Field today...

It was cool man. It was crazy; super loud. The fans were incredible, awesome atmosphere, feels like they are right on top of the game. I think that kind of adrenaline really showed in the game.

On if you ever thought growing up in Woodbury that you would be doing what you got to do today...

Probably not, no. Man, it's awesome. What a road we've been on to get here. I'm just so happy for everybody at the club: the ownership group, the staff - everybody that's done such a great job on this place and put work into it over the last few years. Man, it's awesome. What a stadium. Unfortunately, we didn't win. We wanted to win for everybody.

On how this stadium stacks up to the rest of the League...

Here comes a surprise, it's the best. It's the best.

On what makes Allianz Field the best stadium in MLS...

How close and how tight everything is, it makes it a proper soccer stadium. Everybody is right on top of the field and then the Wonderwall behind the goal is an intimidating thing for oppositions to come in and see. It's great.

On what it was like being down on the pitch with the energy and atmosphere in the stadium...

It was awesome and what I expected. I was just trying to take it all in. Trying to embrace the moment. I thought they [the supporters] did a great job and they set a really good bar for going forward.

On if all that energy and emotion is what created such an open game...

I think you saw some uncharacteristic mistakes from both teams. When I came into the game at the end, it was wide open, and I was a little concerned because we were throwing bodies up and I was worried about getting caught out in a foot race, which I don't want to be stuck in. I think that's just natural because we really wanted to push for the win and give that to the fans, so guys were pushing forward trying to get that goal. I think it's to be expected a little bit.

On how Osvaldo Alonso must have felt getting that first goal...

Yeah, it has got to feel good and it was a class goal too. What a finish! Perfect technique. I was a little jealous [laughs].

MINNESOTA UNITED DEFENDER FRANCISCO CALVO

On the atmosphere surrounding the game tonight...

It was amazing, we just have to give thanks to the fans and thanks to the organization. I think we made a really good effort on the field, the game was square. I'm sure the upcoming games will be better.

On jealousy that Ozzie got the first goal...

No I'm so happy he scored. I would've been happy if anyone scored the goal. If it was me, the guys would've been happy. Even if it was Vito, I would be happy. I'm happy for Ozzie, he deserves it!

On Calvo's attempt to score towards the dying minutes of the match...

We were tied, I tried to help the team score. I was waiting for a good cross. I got it on my right and I put it up and over. It is what it is, we have to keep our heads up. We got one point.

On the team's effort...

[SPA]Bien, me siento bien. Creo que simplemente empezamos el partido muy emocionados, lo cual es normal y el equipo se esfuerzo. Regalamos dos goles, fueron a goles puntales y hay que asumir responsabilidades pero al final el equipo estoy seguro que guiando mejor cuando pasen las fechas aquí en Allianz. Hoy fue nuestro primer partido aquí en el Allianz y vamos a seguir agarrando esta cancha y ojala sea un fortress para nosotros.

[ENG]Good, I feel very good about the team's effort. I think we were very excited to start the game which is normal and the team put out a great effort. We gave away two goals which were during important moments of the match. We must assume responsibility but in the end I'm sure we will improve once we play more games here in Allianz. Today was our first home game in Allianz Field and we will keep gaining confidence in this field and hopefully this will become a fortress for us.

NEW YORK CITY FC HEAD COACH DOMÈNEC TORRENT

On solving goal-scoring scoring issues, but also conceding goals...

This is soccer, sometimes if you want to attack all the time you have problems when you have to defend. I am very proud with my players because they fought until the last moment. It was not easy to play here, Minnesota United has a physical team. In the second half we played better. One point is not enough for us. But I told my team, 'if you are able to play that way in every stadium you will get a point.' I am happy with a point.

On making a halftime adjustment to the lineup...

We played five in the back and we had more problems in the first half and not the second half, especially on the left side. We decided to change because we need to get points. We played with four in the back in a 4-3-2-1. We had more quality in the forwards and our defenders played well. Especially James [Sands], he was a fantastic player for us today, and the last game and he can play as a holding midfielder, as a center back. But the most important thing for us is the way we play, but the pity is that we needed points and one point was not good enough for us.

On the decision to play James Sands in the centerback position...

He is in top form right now. We started to play with five in the back and I had problems on the left side. I and wanted to make just one change for one player, and so I decided to play a 4-2-3-1 and we had four forwards. We tried to win the game.

On scoring goals in the game today...

We need to keep working in this way. Our forwards are working amazing in the training sessions, they are able to score goals and today was one of the first games where what happened in the training session happened in the game. It's not about the goals, when we have the ball, we play amazing.

On not being upset about the own goal...

Sean Johnson is amazing, he has personality. After we concede the goal, because everybody conceded the goal, we played amazing. He played with confidence. That's the most important thing, he has the personality to keep playing with the top teams. I'm very proud of him, because it's not easy after that happens to play with confidence. The problem is when we play poorly or don't play with confidence. I am very proud of him, because its not easy to recover quickly after that.

On the team's resilience...

That is the reason I am very proud of the team. It's not easy when we need a result and everybody knows, it doesn't matter what happens, I told them to keep calm because we have quality. It's better for us to play this way.

On Héber's fitness...

Héber could play 30 minutes maybe next game. But today, I decided it was not the best moment because 'Tati' [Valentín Castellanos] played amazing. So I preferred to play a 4-2-3-1 or a 4-2-2-2. Today was better for him [Héber] because we have seven days to rehab. He will be an amazing player for us. His last game was in December, and it's not easy to come back. Right now we have 'Tati' [Valentín Castellanos] in good form.

NYCFC GOALKEEPER SEAN JOHNSON

On what he recalls happening on the own goal...

Going back to the play, I think there's no point in making excuses. Mistakes happen, it's about responding to it, there was a lot of game left to play and the boys in front of me responded in a big way. I think all game, everybody fought until the death. We had guys coming off injured that were giving everything, so I'm really happy that everybody had my back today, and it was an important point for us, but obviously disappointed to let the guys down in that moment, but things happen, and they know. I apologized to them, put my hand up, and we moved forward. Everybody assured me that they had my back today, and we were able to come back out with a point.

On if his reaction to the own goal was 'what just happened'...

No, no I don't think that was my reaction. Obviously we all know what happened, but I don't want to be the one to make excuses in the moment. The play happened, I accept responsibility for it, and that's football. Mistakes happen, and you just bounce back.

On what it was like to play in the new stadium...

The stadium's incredible. To be a part of a special day like this, hats off, Minnesota came out and gave us everything. They weren't for a second trying to end this game with a draw, so they came at us up until the last minute and made it an exciting game for the fans. But yeah, tremendous atmosphere, and I'm sure they'll plenty more good ones.

On if he felt the fans were more on top of him here than anywhere else...

I wouldn't say more so than any other place, but I think they showed up in full force and they were loud. The support was good. They did a good job for a stadium opener and I'm sure it'll only get better from here. Obviously people from Minnesota love this weather, so they weren't short on supporters today.

On if how NYC responded to everything today was the most important takeaway of the game...

Yeah, I think that's important. I think that a game like this, I don't want to let my mistake take away from what the team gave today. I think from front to back, everybody that came on the pitch, I think the effort was there, we played a confident game, in moments we weren't scared to make mistakes. I think having that confidence over the course of 90 minutes is what's going to enable us to get over that hump. We were ever so close to come away with three points today, and we pushed and we pushed and we pushed, but I think that confidence is there with everybody, and I don't think this game is going to do anything that'll set us back. I think if anything, it's going to drive us forward.

NYCFC MIDFIELDER JAMES SANDS

On being able to play back at his old center back position today...

Yeah, I felt used to it. I played there for two years so it wasn't that uncommon for me.

On the changing of defensive shapes between halves...

Well the first half it was kind of a five in the back, or three in the back where I was the middle guy. And then in the second half, it was obviously a traditional four the the back. Both kind of have their pros and cons, but I would say it was a little easier for me in the back four knowing where the line is, but I would be happy to play both.

On if he felt like he was ready for winning the amount of physical battles that he had today...

Yeah, I feel like I'm always ready for a physical challenge. Their striker was a big guy, so I think if I can handle him, I can handle almost anyone.

On being able to show people traits he has that we haven't seen before...

I think different games call for different aspects. Today was obviously a lot more defending, kind of 1v1 situations, and I think I did well, but as always there's stuff I can improve on.

On how competitive this game felt compared to the previous five matches...

I would say, especially because of the atmosphere, that they were super hyped up. They're a physical team to start, so with that added energy, I think they were really ramped up, but I think we did a good job dealing with that.

On if there was a miscommunication on the own goal...

I think it was just, I think he had it, but to be honest I looked like it was a part of the field, maybe it took a hop or something, but I think on any other day that doesn't happen. You can't really blame him, he's saved us in three or four games, so it happens.

On encouraging Sean Johnson after the own goal...

No one wants to go through that, but it's going to happen to all of us at some point or another. I think it was good of Anton [Tinnerholm] especially, it shows that people have your back, and as I said, mistakes are going to happen, but you're going to have to move past it. I thought he played great the rest of the game.

On his general impression of this stadium...

I thought it was really amazing. I thought the supporter section was really cool, and I thought they were loud the whole time, and I really enjoyed it.

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