Chicago Fire 1, L.A. Galaxy 1
Q. When did you find out you were starting? Were you nervous and how did you feel out there?
JONATHAN PEREZ: To be honest, I think I was prepared for this moment. I don't think I was -- I wasn't really nervous. I was more excited, having my first start. But I think I prepared myself pretty well, and yeah.
Q. I know early in the preseason you dealt with injuries and weren't able to get much playing time. Greg mentioned earlier you've been working really hard in training. Just to have this moment to go out there and show your talents, how much did it mean to you to just go on the pitch and just go out and play some football?
I think I was very happy and when Greg told me that he was going to give me the opportunity today to be able to start, obviously -- was held back with my injury but I was working really hard to get bag being and working really hard in training. Thank my teammates for pushing me and preparing me for this moment. But I think along the way, and along the process, they really prepared me for this moment today and the start today and to be able to be the best version of myself and try to help my team in any way.
Q. Mexicana played in Chicago last night. How important was it for you to be able to show what you can do for the national team coaches?
I feel like I should -- I feel like if I continue playing more and continuing showing what I can do, I think the opportunities will come for México and also hopefully with the U.S. I'm hoping, as well, with the U.S.
Right now for me, I think I'm just going to continue on to get the minutes and do my best and hopefully if I get called up with either national team. But as of right now, my main focus is just getting minutes and getting my rhythm back because I haven't really been playing as much but I think that's my main focus as of right now.
FastScripts Transcript by ASAP Sports