U.S. Men’s National Team head coach JURGEN KLINSMANN
On the win in Kingston:
“Obviously we are pleased with the result. Coming away with three points was our goal and we achieved that goal. We didn’t plan it that way but that’s what these games are about. It’s always down to the wire and overall the team did well. It was a good performance and it showed again how difficult these games are in the Hexagonal.”
On how the game progressed and how the team earned three points:
“Throughout some periods I thought we managed the game well and passed the ball well and were well organized. But some stretches we made it difficult for ourselves and let the opponent back in the game. Definitely the most important part was leaving this place with three points and going into two exciting home games that we’re looking forward to.”
On giving up a goal and bouncing back:
“We were frustrated [with the goal we gave up] because we talked all week about set pieces. Last September we came here and gave up two goals on set pieces and to have it happen again was frustrating. But it’s important that this team gets the mentality to bounce back and to challenge themselves to win here and not look for a tie. We’ve said from the beginning we are ready to come into difficult places and want three points, so this is obviously a big plus for us.”
On the Hexagonal:
“Every game is difficult. Panama will be very difficult in Seattle. We’ll need big support from the fans and need total commitment in every one of these games. I think our team is good enough and has enough quality to qualify for the World Cup but we have to be ready for the battle, ready for different circumstances and places.”
On Brad Evans playing right back:
“I think he’s growing into his role. He understands that it’s there for him to grab. He’s finding his game, finding an understanding with the centerbacks and finding and understanding with the midfielders in front of him, in this case Graham Zusi. This is not happening overnight but we need to give him time to play that role. The moment was there for him tonight and we need to give him a compliment for that.”
U.S. Men’s National Team goalkeeper TIM HOWARD
On the shift in momentum at the end of the game:
“That’s football. I’ve been there 1,000 times. You feel as low as dirt than all of a sudden you feel like world-beaters. But it was a mature performance. Even though we were leading late on a point on the road isn’t the worst thing, so we could have been content with that. But we pushed forward hunting for the second goal, got the corner, and obviously things happened from there.”
