Read what Frank Klopas, Patrice Bernier and Hassoun Camara had to say ahead of Wednesday's first game of the ACC final, against Toronto FC at BMO Field.
Frank Klopas
About the last match…
It’s difficult to win if we give up four goals in a game. I felt the confidence with the group was good and we maintained that throughout the game. It just seems that things are very difficult for us now. Giving up soft goals is killing us right now.
On finding solutions…
The players that we have have given everything. It’s not about a lack of effort. I know the problems of the team and we make certain decisions based on that. It’s not always easy to find those answers. Sometimes you look to do things and it doesn’t always work out on this team. We’ve made some moves that have helped the team already.
Focus on the Canadian Championship…
We have a chance to win a cup coming up. We talked about it at the beginning of the season. This is one of our goals. With a two game series, we have to go to Toronto focused on Wednesday. We have to do whatever we can to win this.
On the injury front…
Adrian is a week away. We are going to try and organize a game midweek with the Academy to get him minutes. Matteo and Eric are running, but I don’t know how long before they come back there. Sanna rolled his ankle, so he’s out this week. Nelson is training and I think he is ready to go.
Patrice Bernier
With a difficult season so far, how do you stay positive…
The last few games, there were a lot of positives. Now it’s a matter of eliminating those little mistakes that cost us. We have to stay focused the entire game and remain effective on both sides of the field. We have to be ready mentally.
About Wednesday’s game…
We are in the final. It’s a two-game series, with the first in Toronto. The Cup is a different animal because it’s a do or die. It’s a sprint not a marathon, with a lot of strong emotions so you have to be ready from the first moment. It will be a game full of energy. We’ve had a tough time paying in Toronto, but this is a final, so we have to show up raring to go. It might not be the prettiest game, but we will have to be ready to work, counter their attempt to impose their style.
Hassoun Camara
Should the ACC be the team’s focus…
It definitely becomes even more important for us because we can win a trophy, plus we are playing our big rivals Toronto. We will have to be very focused and play well to come back home next week and win the title at home in front of our fans.
On the last game…
Getting four goals scored against is tough, especially an early one. Our mistakes defensively in the second half cost us and we need to continue to work to eliminate those mistakes. We have good moments, but need to improve on letting in fewer goals.
