One goal in the first half by RSL player Damir Krellach was the nail in the coffin of the year that saw them end a 3 game win streak. At about 6p.m. ET their off season began and the next starts to come into focus. RSL for their part wil host the former NY Cosmos coach and his Portland Timbers. The 'Caps now begin their seach which has gone global to get a new Sporting Director and is onging along with seeking out players. Nick Rimando in his last regular season of his storied career had 5 saves, good for his 10the shuout of the year. HC of the 'Caps, Marco Dos Santos once again went with many Canadians on his roster, as he had 6, just over half the starters, this would be the 2nd game in a row and 3rd time since 2011, when they joined the MLS. It capped a year in which new highs were set for Canadian players, with 129 games, 111 of them starts and 9,727 minutes. Another plus was the first game of Homegrown, Georges Mukumbilwa, a native of the Republic of Congo, arriving in Canada at 13 years of age getting his first game, entering late in the match. After having the better of the play early, in the 28th minute, Damir struck, heading in a crossing ball from Corey Baird. Almost pulling even, the go on goal by MIchaell Chirinos, Rimando barely pushed the ball away and off the far post. Freddy Montero & Yordy Reyna were late entries and added some life to the attack, but RSL turned them away each time. Freddy, the top goal scorer for the 'Caps earned the Dominic Mobilio Golden Boot Award. Connect Hearing will donate $500 to Hear in the World Foundatoin based upon the 'Caps 5 corners.
QUOTES:
HC Marco Dos Santos:
-On the Loss: Salt Lake played a playoff game. They were deep and dangerous in the counter. We deserved a goal, we deserved at least a point. We did enough for that in the second half. Erik, big chance.Michale Chirinos, big chance, so that's the game."
-Next Season:For the next season, after a year like that, just imagine the work and commitment happening right now in the back scenes. As the coach, I'm with the GM , the owners, the staff. The only thing in my head right now, from the bottom of my heart, is the people that are coming to the stadium every day and support this team. We have to give back.
-Bouncing Back: You need to adapt a little bit as a coach. You have to take the good things. There are a lot of good things that you can take away.
-Positives: I feel this is the base, this is where we need to be stronger. There's something to build on. When I arrived I didn't feel the same.
-Roster Changes: There are pieces for us that are crucial and we're working hard on them. We have to see. What I want is us to focus on as a club is on making the team beter. Whatever it takes to make the team better.
M Russell Teibert:
-Seasons Reflections: But we're building something here. This was always a rebuild year, and we're going to continue to grow.
-Career High Starts & Future: I'm very happy to be here, very happy to be playing with this team. I've made some very good friends within this team.
-Winning Mentality:We're growing here, and this is a rebuild year. I can't say there is one specific that that we need to address. We need to take care of our business on the field, and it's as simple as that.
GK Maxime Crepeau:
-Fans Support & End of Year: The fans were there all year long. Win, lose, tie, home and away, they were always there. I didn't want the season to end. I feel like I can give so much. It's not cool obvioiusly.
-His progress v team results. II'll put the work in. That's my mentality. How can I be better for next year, and so on.
-Team's journey: All new faces, including me. But it was a season filled with ups and downs, definitely.
RSL Interim HC Freddy Juarez:
-3rd in the West: There were some scary moments at the end. Credit to the guys, they beleived, they fought. Results went our way.
-The Shutout: We knew they were going to respond. We wanted to make sure there was discipline, we maintained and controllled for the most part.
-Homefield advantage in playoffs: It's awesome for players. Hopefully we can take advantage. Let's not let it go to waste.
F Corey Baird:
-GWG: Damir did a great job keeping it alive. Kyle found me out wide. There was a little space back there and Damir made a great run.
-Shutout: We did well sitting in. We made sure our shape was good, The guys off the bench gave us some life, gave us some energy.
-3rd in the West: It shows you we're a good team. No one has given that, we had to earn it and I think we have.