Winger Omir Fernandez
On the upcoming contest with former club New York Red Bulls
It's a big match for us. Obviously, they're coming from the other conference, and they're doing pretty well in their conference. So [it's] another another time where we can match ourselves with a good team. I think we're in a good form, especially at home. Something we emphasize is playing with a lot of intensity, especially at home, and not losing, making sure we win our home games, especially against a big team like that prepares us for for the future as well.
I think in the beginning of the year, it was obviously some a game that I circled in my calendar. Really excited. I haven't thought about it since, then we started talking about it this week in film. But I'm just really excited. I want to perform well, I want the team to win, because obviously now I'm a Colorado Rapids player. I'm really excited and I'm really happy we're doing well. And I just want to continue the run of games that we have of just winning and playing well.
On the development of finding success in transition moments throughout the season
I think it's just over time, just knowing that players are going to be in certain spots just by the personnel. An example with the first goal [against St. Louis], I knew Rafa would play me and I knew I could play him back and he could deal with any type of ball that I gave him. And obviously, we knew we had runners in behind. Once Cole [Bassett] gets the ball in those wide areas, I think Kévin [Cabral] knows he has to get in the box. And it's something that with time, it seems more comfortable. And we do it more and more in games.
On how growing up and learning in the Red Bulls Academy shaped his game
I was there for a really long time. I knew a lot of people there, I think they made it really, really comfortable for me, especially being at home. I think it's so much easier when you're at home and you're at a great place. I think they developed me into the certain system that they play and I was developed in that system for many, many years--that has impacted me as well. Obviously being under Chris [Armas] before I played as a pro I never played as a center 10 or really played up top. I was always just kind of on the left wing for the most time and obviously, coming to the Red Bulls, you have to learn how to play different positions at different times. And I think that's something else that has shaped me, being able to play wherever needed and even in in the back line if needed at times.
Head Coach Chris Armas
On the upcoming contest with former club New York Red Bulls
We're looking forward to another home game. And we know that each time we have to ramp it up and be ready for what's coming in to our building. But most importantly, I'd say to continue the form that we're in, to ride the momentum. Five out of the last six we've won, but this is the past, we have to reset it and be ready for 100 minutes against a really good team coming into our building. Part one is to understand the opposition, and then two is to execute. So we're working on it.
On if he approaches the game differently due to his history with Red Bulls
No, it's another game, but it's a really important game. That's how I approach each game. The fact that it's New York Red Bulls, it's very important that we understand, as always, that each opponent poses different challenges, different opportunities for us. This is very specific, they're very clear in the way that they play. Probably because I've coached in that philosophy, where it's very intensive, it's important to understand it. And assuming that it's not that difficult to understand, why don't more teams have success against it? Because you have to actually go out and execute against it, which is not easy against that philosophy.
On Cole Bassett's demeanor after being left off the Olympic roster
Cole Bassett is one of the more impressive young guys, professional people that I've been around. His ability to commit to the games and training the way he does gives us all the extra chance to win games. I'm seeing him handle this, let's call it adversity, a little bit of a bump in the road, but it's a dream of his. He didn't get named to the [Olympic] team. But he's so impressive the way he shows up. Just look at the last game, right? He stepped in out of position, goal, assist, part of the victory, played great. Right back to work. He's got big self-belief, and so, so focused. No change in behavior, just hungry has ever.
On the recent successes of young players, their impact on the game
We believe in the young players around here, we don't just say it. I oftentimes say it's not just young players, it has to be the right young players. There's plenty of lazy, arrogant, selfish young players I've come across as a player and a coach. We have the right young players that don't let you down, they actually show that they can be willing to run, they commit to the team, they buy into the tactics and their role in the whole thing. So to see Oliver--can you imagine, off the bench scores a set-piece header? Of course he did. You see [Michael Edwards], the way he operates around here in training and never makes excuses, goes and plays with the second team. He does his best, takes the critiques when he gets back from there, gives an awful lot without a lot of return. And then bang, gets a start, steps in and does the job. He looked like a pro out there--aggressive, getting the fans going. Not surprised but I'm thrilled for him. Then [Darren] Yapi with his first goal. In these last few weeks it's been, 'Forget about the goals, forget about scoring, just commit physically to what the game needs. Run, chase, come back into the game.' Imagine saying 'Don't worry about scoring' to a striker. And then bang, he gets a really good goal. The young players that are getting opportunities, they give us confidence to keep rewarding them. It's part of who we are, as a team and a club. So it's great to see that that reward coming our way.
