LA Galaxy 3, San Jose Earthquakes 0
MODERATOR: We're now joined by John McCarthy. Let's go ahead and start it off. Go ahead.
Q. Hey, John, maybe talk a little bit about this defense. There were struggles early on --
MODERATOR: The audio is not pulling up.
Q. All right, John. You guys struggled a little bit early in the year to find a rhythm in terms of defensively, giving upset piece goals. You now have three games in a row where you guys have held the shutout, 278 total minutes, what have you seen growing in confidence from your defensive side and what do you think of your play tonight?
JOHN McCARTHY: Yeah, it was a good group effort, you know. In games, I've said it before there's going to be chances that you give up, whether it's set pieces, whether it's a shot on goal or whatever you want to call it, a chance the other teams create. I think our teams have done a really good job at limiting those chances, really got into being a good defensive group. Winning is the most important thing, you know? So when you can find a way to win, it's great. When you can get a shutout, that's a little added on bonus for the group as a whole and it speaks volumes so it's a nice.
Q. What did you think about getting Riqui Puig back in the lineup in the second half there and did that help you guys close the game out?
JOHN McCARTHY: Yeah, Riqui's good, man. That guy comes in, controls the game, can make plays, makes things happen. I think he can speak for himself but as a team member, he steps on the field, he performs. He loves to go forward in key possessions. It's nice to get him back on the field, and hopefully he stays on the field for us.
Q. Awesome, John. Thanks.
MODERATOR: Next we'll go to Charles.
Q. Hey, John, can you hear me? Congrats on the win. El Tráfico coming up here. You've been on both sides of that. This team seems like it's finally ready to make a statement in that big match and in that spotlight. What's your take on the state of the team heading into that occasion?
JOHN McCARTHY: Yeah, we're in a good place right now. I didn't get to check out results and things around the league but right now we're in the mentality where it's about us. We can't worry about other teams and other positions, it's just on us. I have said this before and I'm a big believer that when you take it day by day and game by game, good things happen. That's where the team is at and going in, that's one of those games you want to be part of and one of those cool moments that you get to compete against big teams, so we're looking forward to it.
Q. Seems like the last few games you have figured out to control tempo of these games in a way that was difficult before. Could you speak to that?
JOHN McCARTHY: Say that again.
Q. Seems like the team has found a way to control these matches, kind of control the tempo, have that stability and structure to things that maybe was hard to find for you guys earlier in the season. Do you see it that way?
JOHN McCARTHY: No, I think it's the same group. I think it's the group getting used to each other, a couple new players coming in and buying into the group as a whole. There's no one individual that's going to win us the game. It's a team effort through and through. Guys have played, they've big moments and it's a team effort all around, so when the team has belief in itself and what we're doing, it's a good thing and I think our team did really well, so. Sorry if you hear fireworks and stuff in the background.
MODERATOR: Go ahead, Alex.
Q. Hey, John, congratulations on the win. This is the first time the club has had three clean sheets in a row since 2016. But speaking on this year, what has the back line has grown the most in? What aspect to accomplish this kind of feat now?
JOHN McCARTHY: Yeah, we crunched on some things in preseason. We wanted to be a good defensive team. We have a lot of attacking pieces and an attacking-minded group, but when we become a good defensive team, we have to buy into that and I think we're getting there. We're on the right path right now. When you have experienced players along the back line, Maya and Miki, they're really experienced guys to help out defensively and Jalen has done a big part stepping in. These are guys that are experienced.
MODERATOR: And we'll close out with Rob.
Q. Hey, John, congratulations on the win. You guys are heading into a very, very interesting El Tráfico. It's the first one that both teams have been, for lack of a better term, in good form. Both Los Angeles clubs are on 40 points right now. What kind of significance does this game take on right now with the teams battling for first place and what do you expect out of this next game? Thank you.
JOHN McCARTHY: Yeah, I know a couple guys on the team. I know the group and I think the LA Galaxy knows the group as well. We play each other like six times a year. It's one of those things you got to play it as another game and another opportunity. We took care of business tonight and we hope to take care of business when we go to the Rose Bowl. It's one of those cool games and in a cool environment when you get to play against a big time club that wants to win just like us. We're looking forward to the moment and the game and we'll take it day by day until we get there and make the most of our opportunity.
MODERATOR: All right. Anything else for John? Thanks for your time.
JOHN McCARTHY: Thanks, guys. Have a good night.
FastScripts Transcript by ASAP Sports