NCAA Tournament Elite Eight - Post-Game Quotes
12/6/2014 12:00:00 AM | Men's Soccer
Michigan State head coach Damon Rensing
Opening statement...
Just to get started, first thing I need to do is thank the entire Michigan State University athletic department and administration. We shifted this game to Saturday and there were some hurdles that needed to be jumped, but (Athletic Director) Mark Hollis, President Simon, Shelley Applebaum, Greg Ianni, event management and our grounds crew... This university put on a first-class NCAA quarterfinal in front of a couple thousand fans. We're very thankful that they were able to provide that opportunity and that environment for our student-athletes and the student-athletes at Providence.
Also, I'd like to say it was a great game, a great college game. Providence played very well. I wish them all the best in the Final Four. They handled themselves very professionally, and credit to them and good luck to them along with the other three teams in the final four.
In regards to the game, it started off great obviously with a beautiful goal by Adam (Montague). I think the guys wanted this day and this game so much that we kept pushing. I think we got a little anxious to get that second goal early in the first half. The game got a little stretched and I think that played into Providence's hands a little bit.
I think when you look at the five goals that were scored, these were goals that we unbelievable, great goals. Giving the one up before the half was a little tough but I thought we were in great shape coming back. We settled the guys down and the third goal that made it 3-1 was an unbelievable strike. The way this game finishes is very indicative of what this group, what these seniors, what this program's about. They never gave up. We scored a great goal to make it 3-2 and the guys just kept going. Sometimes you get that third goal, you saw that last weekend, and sometimes you don't. Unfortunately today we didn't.
I think when I look back, we're one of two programs in the last two years to be in the NCAA quarterfinal. Very proud of this senior class and what they've been able to do, not just on the field, but in the classroom. They carried a 3.3 GPA, so when you've got a group of guys that have led a program, that have got to two NCAA quarterfinals, and we still have a 3.3 GPA, what they do in the community, what they've done to represent and continue to set the standard for what Michigan State soccer is all about. We're very, very proud of this group.
On what he said to his team following the game...
I told them that as a former player, I've been in their shoes. In that moment, there's not a whole lot you can say that's going to make these kids walk out with smiles on their faces. One of the beautiful things about sports is that you put a lot into it. Guys put a ton into this game and this season, and sometimes you see it all come together and it goes well and there's no better feeling. Sometimes it doesn't. When that feeling hits, there's nothing you can do to solve that.
What I told them was that I was really proud of the group. You'll have hard things that will come across you in life, and no matter what, the Michigan State soccer staff and the family will always be there for them. You want to have those words resonate with them. There's not a whole lot that they'll take today, but hopefully when they walk away from this program, they'll understand what I said there.
On the season as a whole...
Where do I start? This group, we had a great run last year. We lost a very good player in Kevin Cope and a very good leader. We challenged these guys that maybe there was a little bit of a void in leadership and that everybody was going to gun for us. You got to look at these guys, Tim (Kreutz), Adam (Montague), Ryan Keener, Fatai (Alashe), they took on that responsibility. That is not easy game in and game out in college soccer. And they did. They took it on all the way to the quarterfinals. I think we played eight Top 25 games going into this game, and we were undefeated. When you have a program and a team that can take that kind of responsibility and take that pressure and still succeed, that's special. This is a special group of guys.
Providence head coach Craig Stewart
Opening statement...
Wow, what a game. That's what it's all about. We had goals, top-class goals, top-class saves. A real battle, and I think that's what the tournament is all about. Credit to Michigan State, a fantastic team and well-coached. I'm sure they're disappointed their season ended but again, a classy operation and fantastic hosts. Congratulations to those guys. A fantastic effort, what a fight.
On if he was surprised MSU scored seven minutes in...
We started the game well, I think against the run of play. They stick to their style of play and they had a moment. It was a great little ball by (Michigan State's Jay Chapman) behind our fullback and it was 1-0. We did a good job not letting that offset what we were trying to do. We continued to play and got ourselves back in the game. We were never going to give up and they were never going to give up.
Michigan State senior forward Adam Montague
On his goal seven minutes in...
It was just a nice sequence of passes. Jay (Chapman) was on the top of the box and he kind of found a gap between the center backs and made a nice slip pass. I was fortunate enough to tuck it away on the right side.
On the flurry of chances toward the end of the match...
We've been in this situation before. We were down 2-0 last week and found a way. I can speak for us both (he and Tim Kreutz) when I say that I thought we were going to get that third goal. It was just one of those days where the ball wasn't bouncing our way.
On when he'll take away from his time at Michigan State...
First and foremost, perseverance. A lot of times, we historically have been the underdog, especially in my earlier years. For some reason, we always found ourselves on top. This year it was a little different, not being the underdog in every single game, but I think we still play with that edge and blue-collar mentality. I think that represents the university as a whole. We stuck with that mentality and I'd say the hard work and mentality that always got us through games. Even in the 90th minute today we were still fighting.
Michigan State senior forward Tim Kreutz
On the flurry of chances toward the end of the match...
Yeah, I just noticed in the first half we couldn't really seal it in. We'd get to the ball and the second ball, like Adam said, just kind of bounced the wrong way for us. In that aspect it wasn't our day, but like Adam said, I thought we were going to get that goal eventually and even another one at that. We just never really took our foot off the pedal.
On Providence's two goals in the first half...
The first goal, obviously the upper 90, that's a tough one to save. I was on the bench for the second one, we were all looking at the ball. It's unfortunate. We kind of took our eye off the ball for those 10 minutes. Other than that, I thought we came out pretty strong. In the Elite Eight, if you have a bad 10-minute stretch, it can kill you. Two of their goals today were great strikes and those might have been the difference.
On On when he'll take away from his time at Michigan State ...
I think I would take away the leadership and camaraderie that we've built with the guys here. You see the alumni that come out and still support Michigan State soccer, you kind of look back when the game's over and I thought about how this was going to feel when I get to come back. You kind of realize you love Michigan State, you love Michigan State athletics, and it's going to be some of the best relationships that you've built through the rest of your life.
Providence sophomore midfielder Dominik Machado
On his goal...
It's a blur right now. I know it was a good link-up play from Fabio (Machado). I know Fabio was on the end line, and I know he has a way of getting the ball in sometimes so I made my run and it was in the back of the net.
On Providence's mindset after going down 1-0...
We've been in that situation before, but we're just resilient on the road. We stand by that and just kept playing. Our mentality was to keep going and it worked out for us.
Providence senior goalkeeper Keasel Broome
On how MSU had comeback last weekend and if that was talked about on the field...
We knew we had to be aware of that. Even though we gave up the second goal, we knew we just had to buckle down and defend for our lives in the last couple of minutes. Defensively, it was organization. Stay compact, because we knew going off the first goal they were trying to bend balls between our outside backs and center backs. When it comes to balls floating in, we dropped our target forward into the midfield and that gave us cover.
On how nerve-wracking the final 10 minutes were as a goalkeeper...
Just be prepared. At this point, there's no need to be nervous. I'm doing what I love to do. I love playing soccer. Even going down 1-0, we had plenty of time. Just take a deep breath and keep going.
