Can you point to a specific moment that defines your Cup run so far – and maybe acted as a turning point?
MB (SR): [Goalkeeper] Danny Vitiello's penalty save against Phoenix [Rising] in the early rounds is one. And then you'd have to say when we scored the own-goal against LA Galaxy [in the Quarterfinal] to tie the game 1-1. You saw the group come together then. You saw the group show belief and you saw the group stand up and say we can do this, which they did.
OP (OC): The game against New York [Red Bulls, in the Semifinal]. It was a difficult time for us in the league and the team showed up and put in such a good performance [a 5-1 win]. The boys did an excellent job and beat a very good rival that day. From that point we understood that we can beat anyone. All the games were important, but that one showed us something.
There always seems to be a little more tension in a Cup Final. What are you expecting from this game – with a national trophy on the line?
MB (SR): When Finals take place, they're very cautious games because players and coaches know that there's a lot at stake. I expect this one to be no different. We've just got to go in there and enjoy the occasion, enjoy the game, and like I said: have the team play without fear and play with courage. Because we don't have any pressure. Nobody expects us to win.
OP (OC): I’m expecting to win. To get the job done. Finals always have that kind of characteristic. There’s no tomorrow, right? There’s no way to fix anything. This is it and we have to be prepared to understand the nature of a Final. Everything about a Final is out there on the day.
Fontela is editor-in-chief of usopencup.com. Follow him at @jonahfontela on Twitter.
