New York City FC clinched the Eastern Conference’s second seed on Monday thanks to a score draw with the Columbus Crew.
Here are all of the key soundbites from the home locker room at Citi Field, Queens…
Vieira on Satisfaction…
“I think we are really satisfied. We are really pleased because I think finishing second in the regular season is a really good achievement. I think when you look at the field and you look at the top six-seven and these five east teams. And I think that just shows how strong the Eastern Conference is.”
Vieira on Respect for Columbus…
“I think sometimes you have to accept that sometimes the opposition can have a good game. But overall, we didn’t win for a while and I think that you guys aren’t really used to it, but this is a good sign. Because we are in a level now where there is a lot of expectation from people so it’s important for us to deliver.”
Ring on Playoffs…
“Playoffs is different than regular season. I’m not worried at all. We have two games that we have to win. Then we have two games again that we have to win. And then we have one game to win. That’s all myself and the rest of the team have to focus on and I think we’re ready. I think we played a good game today.”
Ring on Yankee Stadium Return…
“Yeah, I mean, I don’t know when we’ve played at home the last time. Seven, eight weeks ago. It feels like we’ve been on the road the whole time and it’s nice to go back home. But I enjoyed playing here today too. I think the fans showed up. Everything from the locker rooms to the pitch was pitch perfect. So, yeah. But it’s always nice to go home and play obviously.”
READ:Spotlight on David Villa vs. Columbus Crew SC
White on the Bye…
“Feels good I mean obviously this is what we were playing for, we were playing to take the bye in the first round of the playoffs, feels good to finish as strong as we had at this point.”
White on Playoff Opposition…
“No, we are just focusing on ourselves at this point and I guess we will watch the game on Wednesday and see where it goes and we will figure it out from there.”
Harrison on Learning From 2016…
“Yeah, it definitely helps. Obviously last year we didn’t finish the way we wanted to which was disappointing so I think we’ll be looking to redeem ourselves. We know what it’s like now to play in the playoffs and hopefully that experience can help us out.”
Harrison on Rescinded Red Card…
“Yeah, it was a good feeling. It was encouraging to know that the club and the coaching staff and everyone here was behind me on that one and I was really appreciative on what they did to create a case and appeal it as well and then for it to go ahead and be rescinded, it was a great moment for the club and for myself.”
