New York City FC extended their unbeaten streak to nine games after scoring two goals against Columbus Crew SC for a 2-2 draw! Read what Dome Torrent and the squad had to say about the match...
Doménec Torrent
On getting another draw…
“In the first half, especially, the plays were better. It was similar to what happened in Chicago. After that we changed the system and we played much better. We played with five offensive players in the last 25 minutes because there is nothing else for us. I’m happy for the players because when you are on the table to win the game, it is important to win points, you know? For us it’s not easy to play four games in a row and we get eight points and a win. Right now, we have the possibility to play four games in a row in Yankee Stadium. We’ll miss some players [for international duty]…and we have to adapt quickly.”
On reaction after first half sub…
“In that moment, the game was for Columbus and we have to react, and not just players, even the coaches. I’m happy because when we react – in Chicago and here - we get the point at least. It’s not bad, it’s not bad. I prefer to get three points. I think we played, especially in the second half to win the game. Our intentions are to win the game, but, you know, it was a tough game against Columbus. It’s not easy to get points here and okay, we are not very, very happy, but it’s not bad.
On whether Valentin Castellanos rewarded Torrent’s faith in him…
“I am very happy with him, I said to you that he deserved to play and I kind of said to you that he would play the next game 100% against [FC] Cincinnati. Everybody deserved to play, but he showed me every single game he’s ready to play.”
Valentin Castellanos
On his overall thoughts on the match...
“In the second half we started to play in a different way. It was difficult, we knew they played well with the ball, but it’s fine, we came out with a tie that felt like a victory. Playing not so well in the first half and going on to tie the game is important.”
On how he feels about scoring a goal…
“It was set up for me to shoot it from outside (of the box) and I am very happy to have been able to score it.”
On how he feels about coming in and having an impact on the game…
“It’s good that when the times comes that I do well. I always show strength when the coach puts me in to play, like here [against Columbus Crew SC]. I feel like I’m playing well and at a good level and hopefully I can keep on playing.”
Héber
On how his goal changed the momentum of the game...
“We started the game not so good and Columbus has a good team with quality, and they kept possession of the ball and we didn’t know how to get behind them, and they scored. After the first change of our formation, it got better, then better and better and we scored, but sometimes in football it doesn’t make sense. I think we deserved to win the game today, we created more chances. We have to keep working this way and we need to think now about the next game.”
On why the team needs to change formations mid-game…
“I think it’s the opponent and our coach is clever and a smart guy, and he sees the game is not so good for us, and he change the formation and we started to play better.”
On New York City FC’s second goal...
“It was a very nice goal, huh? It’s too long, it’s too far from the goal, but he deserved that because he [Valentin Castellanos] works very hard all week. He doesn’t play so many minutes, but when he comes in the game, he always gives everything and he deserves this goal. I hope he scores more like that and helps us.”
