KC Reporter

Sporting Kansas City interim head coach Kerry Zavagnin addressed the team's defensive struggles following a defeat to Minnesota United, highlighting ongoing issues that have persisted throughout the season. Zavagnin explained the tactical decision to add an extra central defender in response to recent weaknesses and Minnesota's direct style of play.

"Based on our deficiencies in recent weeks, certainly playing with four in the back, we thought an extra central defender would help us shore up some of the weaknesses that we've had especially in and around the goal. Added to that, the way Minnesota plays gets a lot of numbers in there, is a direct team, doesn't like to have a lot of the possession, picks up a lot of second balls, we felt another number in there would be able to help us in the battle of what we knew was going to be a difficult game. They're very good on set pieces, which they showed again tonight. To be honest with you, I think in the first half we defended actually very well. The set piece was unfortunate, because up until that point there really wasn't a lot going on in front of our box. For that being away from home, considering the circumstances, I was pretty pleased with. But once again, as has been some of the games this year, we've been weak on set pieces and that bit us again tonight. Coming out of halftime, I think things were a little bit more the same. Unfortunately, we gave the ball away in midfield from a central defender and they went down and scored. We were really playing catch up from then on out. And as the game evolved, as it went into the third goal and we started bringing numbers on the field, the game was more or less finished. But I do think we did have the chance in the first half, not many, but certainly the 1v1 with Mason (Toye) in on goal would have been nice to have capitalized on. Coming in at halftime even instead of down would have been helpful for us, but like has been most of the year, we weren't strong enough defensively in the key moments and that once again did us again in tonight," Zavagnin said.

He also commented on team morale after another loss late in what he described as a challenging season: "I think it's as you would probably suspect. The guys are gutted because I think they've put a lot of hard work into the year. It's been a heavy year for everybody and as we've come down the stretch, certainly in the last 6-8 games, the results haven't gone our way. And any season, no matter what it is, no matter what things are happening on or off the field, it's difficult when you suffer this many losses in a row. What I do appreciate about the guys...is that it'd be very easy to give up and quit...and they haven't."

Zavagnin discussed his approach after halftime: "We didn't need [a] goal to start...we felt...as we started adding more bodies into [the] game around [the] 60th minute...we'd be...in position to now put our foot on [the] gas...But unfortunately...the second goal really hurt us....That changed...the game plan..."

On finishing last this season and players' futures at stake: "I don't think we actually talk about it that much and maybe that is something that we should aspire to....there's something to play for in terms of positions on [the] roster next year....But as a club,...we are a proud club and our history has been very strong."

Regarding young player Ian James' performance: "He's a young promising player....We've seen some tremendous speed over...[recent] games....He's growing each and every game....It's nice for him to play in his hometown tonight....with 1,500 minutes played for a 17-year-old this year,...that's a really good sign for him and also for [the] club moving forward."

Team captain Erik Thommy echoed concerns about conceding goals too easily: "The first half was [a] same game from both sides....Defended well....Conceded an unlucky goal after [a] set piece...[then] had...[a] big chance from Mason [Toye] before halftime which could have equalized...[but after halftime], need[ed] to be more alert because...[of how easily goals two and three were conceded]. Obviously after that it’s tough to comeback." He added praise for his teammates' perseverance despite setbacks.

Thommy emphasized group mentality: "If I look at...[our group], I think they were not...[at fault]. If you reflect..., how often we came back..., it shows our mentality....I'm standing right in front of my group..., because I know how good...[they are]. In soccer sometimes good is not enough."

Looking ahead to their final match against Houston Dynamo FC at home (https://www.sportingkc.com/schedule/), Thommy said: "The next focus is on [the next game]. It's not only me; there are ...players who are running out of contract,...another opportunity for us to show ourselves ...in front of our own fans." He noted disappointment with results but expressed pride representing Sporting Kansas City.