KC Reporter

Sporting Kansas City interim head coach Kerry Zavagnin expressed disappointment following his team's performance in their recent match against Austin FC. Zavagnin noted that the team started well but lost momentum as the game progressed.

"I think we started off well and I think the tempo for the game started out well. I think both teams, over the course of the rest of the game -- give the 25th or 30th minute and the 37th minute is when they scored it -- it's like the game settled in and it was a little bit lifeless for both teams. It didn't really look like a lot was happening. And a very easy ball played over the top made the game 1-1. I think the game played out in a way, as we approached halftime into the second half, we lacked that punch that we usually see in the second half and that energetic kind of explosion of just bombarding the goal. We had a lot of the ball tonight, but I don't necessarily think we created incredible chances with it. I think we leave a lot to be desired from the game, knowing that with a better performance we could have gotten a better result. All the players on the field gave effort. I just think the game played out in a very lifeless way," Zavagnin said.

Addressing defensive issues, Zavagnin commented on set pieces: "It's kind of a microcosm of the season. You give up a goal that's very much preventable and set pieces have done us in over the course of this year. If I'm not mistaken, that might be the 13th set piece (goal) that we've taken this year. Going back all the way to the beginning of the year, they won 1-0 on a set piece and now we find ourselves in a similar fate. But having said all that, we're on the doorstep at the end. We can make it 2-2 and maybe a tie in this game is a fair result. But at the end of the day, we weren't good enough on the day to get anything more out of the game."

Zavagnin also spoke about Alan Montes' contribution: "I think with amount of ball possession that we had, you can see his quality and his ability to set up and generate advantages with ball...But I thought his first start within group...he accounted himself really well."

Regarding Sporting KC's inability to secure consecutive wins this season, Zavagnin said: "I think that was brought up during course week...that consistency getting two games row...it's kind makeup where are as group right now...There's no doubt there are consistency issues within group."

He also mentioned challenges with starting lineups due to changes throughout season: "There’s no doubt that consistency and continuity within group is something makeup lot great teams...we've lacked consistency continuity lineups certainly chemistry will affected..."

On conceding from corners despite preparation by staff member Ash Wallace: "Our set piece coach Ash Wallace has done fantastic job...We understood what they were going do how they were go about their set pieces...We just didn't make play when counted."

Sporting Kansas City forward Erik Thommy reflected on returning from absence: "Obviously it felt good to be back on field with guys...Everybody's sad upset with game...We deserve more today..."

Thommy discussed how small details decided outcome: "It's soccer It's all about details It decides games at end It was an easy set piece at end where conceded It's obviously hard against good defending opponent like Austin who didn't receive lot goals across season Even though had lot chances could have closed down earlier..."

Looking ahead to playoff hopes despite difficulties earlier in season Thommy added: "If you drop lot points beginning you run behind try create something try do something It's much easier if you have 15 20 points after 10 games then everybody more confident Everything much easier We cannot change that we're still race now It's obviously hard for us We see table know what do Not lot games left but everybody needs believe soccer sometimes miracle need small miracle reach playoffs First all I think everybody needs recover after game settle down Then next week we're going attack again."

Asked about contract status he replied: "It's not about me I think have 16 or 17 more players who run out contract My first step was get back field Everything around doesn't matter right now We have lot games depends how end up this season I'm here as said when arrived I'm here be successful as team There some steps go after can talk about my contract maybe contracts other players."