KC Reporter

Sporting Kansas City interim head coach Kerry Zavagnin addressed the team's performance following their match against Colorado, highlighting both the tactical and emotional aspects of the game. Zavagnin noted the team’s strong start, emphasizing that it was not a matter of tactics but rather their readiness to play. He said, "First of all, in the first half I think we started extremely well. That's been something that we've been working on. It's not a tactical thing. It's just how we emotionally come out of the locker room and I think we were ready to play."

Zavagnin discussed how Sporting KC responded after conceding goals, stating that despite giving up an easy goal and a penalty kick, the team remained dangerous in attack during the first half when they moved the ball effectively. He reflected on changes made for the second half: "When we brought that into the second half, I think we just got in behind them a little bit more and created more danger with more numbers in and around the box. We've been good at that this year. I thought in the second half, we were great."

He also commented on adjustments made to limit Colorado's transition play: "I think it was getting more numbers around the ball and being better in possession. I think in the first half, we gave some really silly balls away that no matter how well-positioned you are, you're going to be countered. Colorado has a lot of dangerous players in transition. They punished us in that first half."

Regarding individual performances, Zavagnin praised Dejan Joveljic’s consistency as a goal scorer: "I think when we brought him into the club, we had an idea from the outside what he was capable of... Goal scorers like Dejan, they don't need clear-cut chances and that's what makes them special." On Santi Munoz’s versatility he added, "No matter where you put him -- if you put him underneath like he was against San Diego and tonight or you put him off to the left -- It's kind of what I was saying the other day, is that the formation is just a formation."

The coach highlighted key moments such as John Pulskamp’s penalty save: "I think the penalty save certainly raised our level of involvement in the game. Not just the crowd and their energy, but the players on the field." He continued to commend Pulskamp’s contributions throughout this season.

On giving opportunities to younger players like Ian James, Zavagnin said: "I think Ian deserved the opportunity because no matter what your age is, if you're working hard and you're making an impact then you will get your opportunity."

Zavagnin also spoke about Mason Toye’s recent form: "There was always a plan to use him tonight, because he's been so good in the last three games... I'm really happy for him because he has been committed each and every day to become better and to contribute to the team."

Looking ahead to Sporting KC's final six games of their season he stated: "I've maintained this from day one and as we approach this game tonight, it's the same mindset... We live in the moment. We stay in the moment and we do the best we can on the day... I think we've seen, and I think we're all convinced, that this team just doesn't want to give up."

Forward Mason Toye shared his perspective after contributing another goal: "I felt great. The whole year I’ve been working really hard... I told them, when I'm called upon, I just want to make a difference and come up for us when they need me whether that's starting or coming off the bench." On his run of three straight games with goal contributions he credited staying healthy along with support from training staff.

Toye described his scoring instinct during matches: "As a striker, you try not to think too much. You just try to allow instinct to take over." He also acknowledged teammates’ efforts across positions.

Asked about recent pop culture news involving Taylor Swift Toye remarked: "I'm a supporter of love. I love to see people in love and happy..."

Sporting Kansas City remains focused as they enter their final stretch of regular season matches.