Post Game Quotes
December 13, 2002 | Men's Soccer
Dec. 13, 2002
Recap| Box Score| Photo Gallery
UCLA Head Coach Tom Fitzgerald:
(On game)
"It was a tale of two halves. In the first half, we played well but didn't
reward ourselves with a goal. In the second half, we didn't play as well
and we
came up with the winners. It was a very difficult match, as we thought it
would
be. Maryland was one of the most difficult opponents we played all year.
You
have to get goals in order to win, it doesn't matter how smooth you are. I
think
we need to improve and play better on Sunday."
(On sudden changes)
"It happens in soccer all the time. A team that thought they were going to
get
something turns around and gives up a goal. It's great that we took
advantage of
the situation and got the goals when we did."
(On ejection of UM coach)
"Sometimes when a coach get tossed, it brings a little more energy to the
other
team. Their guys rallied around that. But credit my guys for pulling
together."
UCLA's Cliff McKinley:
(On physical play)
"It was really physical out there. Being physical is one of my strong
suits. I
like doing the dirty work."
UCLA's Adolfo Gregorio:
(On championship game)
"One of our problems was with our forwards, I didn't think they played
very
well. I have seen them play better. We also need to possess it more, like
we did
during the playoffs. We're going to come with our top game Sunday."
UCLA's Scot Thompson:
(On stopping Abe Thompson)
"Our team speed in back was enough to contain Abe. We looked at him, but
we
weren't too worried about him."
Maryland Head Coach Sasho Cirovski:
(On game)
"I'm extremely proud of out team. We made some adjustments after the first
half,
and had some good opportunities in the second half. We put pressure on
UCLA in
the second half. Unfortunately, things didn't go our way. I wish them the
best
of luck Sunday"
(On receiving a red card)
"I'm not at liberty to comment on the officiating. That is the job you
guys in
the media."
(On Maryland's second half play)
"UCLA really didn't have any opportunities in the second half. We really
threw
off their momentum."
Maryland's Scott Buete:
(On physical play)
"I felt confident the entire second half. I think we were focused the
entire
time in the second half and played well."
Maryland's Sumed Ibrahim:
(On second half goal)
"Once coach got kicked out of the game, the assistant coaches told me to
go back
in the game and make something happen. I got an opportunity when I got in
and
made the most of it."
Maryland's Noah Palmer:
(On second half controversial play)
"I thought I got my hand on the ball before his leg, but the ref didn't
see it
that way."