LA Galaxy 2, FC Dallas 1
Q. Greg was talking about a little bit about how he was moving you more advance, getting you a left-footed shot in across so you guys could maybe attack from that side as well.
JOHN NELSON: Yeah.
Q. So many times this year you've been asked to do everything in terms of defense, offense, everything. What has this year been like just positionally and playing back there for you?
JOHN NELSON: Yeah, I mean, I think wherever the coach wants me to play, I'll play. I think that shows I'm versatile. It's important for a team.
But no, I don't mind. If it's building on a three more defensive, I think I'm really good at that. And tonight higher up on the pitch would be a good ball. I think it shows I'm a complete left back. I don't mind.
Like I said, wherever the coach want me to play, I'll play.
Q. Looking at this game and just the red card that happens and you guys trying to grab control of it and then seeing Dallas score, just the ups and downs of this game but also of the entire season, does it feel like it's been a long season?
JOHN NELSON: I mean, yeah, it's been a really, really tough season, obviously with the standings, but with these last two games, one more next week -- we don't want to finish last.
But it's been a tough season and a combination of everything, injuries, unlucky. Honestly we didn't perform, look at the first 16, 17 games we just didn't perform. And our last, whatever, ten games, I thought it wasn't that bad.
But it's been a tough season. I think we are all just mentally, physically getting there. But we want to finish it out on a strong note.
Q. We've talked about this in the past but what has this move to L.A. meant for your career? You talk about showing your versatility, but you came here and solidified that spot on the field.
JOHN NELSON: Yeah, obviously everything happened with St. Louis in 2023. So it was great to bounce back in a way I didn't think a lot of people expected me to honestly. Maybe I impressed some people.
But no, coming out to L.A., honestly I never thought I would be playing for the Galaxy, and then obviously last year, my first year, I thought I came in and played really well. And of course, for us to win the MLS Cup, it was awesome.
For me, a year I'll never forget for my performance, and then obviously for the team. But no, I think I kind of bounced back with my career coming out to L.A.
Q. What has it been like playing with Diego on that side and working with him in combination? As he's kind of moved around on the field this year, it seems like you guys still stay close together on the field what has this that been like?
JOHN NELSON: Well, first off, defensively, he works; he works hard, which I love as a fullback. You need that. But you can play him on any ball; he can get out of it. He's a good player, good leader. Always talking to me.
Like you said throughout the year, I think we got a lot better getting more comfortable with each other, the combinations inside and out and getting up into the attack.
I love it. He's a good leader, good guy in the locker room. Really, really positive, and like I sad, I think it's been a positive year for us.
Q. Galaxy is approaching their last game. What would you like to see in the last game from your teammates, from yourself even, and the way you wrap up the year?
JOHN NELSON: I would just say fight, like Vanney said tonight in the locker room. Obviously we don't want to come in last. That's no one's goal. Just fight. Fight for the fans. Fight -- obviously we are not making playoffs. Show these fans we still want to be out there and we want to fight, we really do.
The results haven't gone our way this year. It's been tough for us, not fair for us, not fair for the fans. So I would just say just fight. We're at home. We get three points, no other excuses. We get three points, I think we'll be fine and not finish last.
Q. Another really good game from you. I'm not here to make any comparisons but the consensus amongst a lot of Galaxy fans is that Aude is the more attacking left back between the two of you but I genuinely feel there's an argument to be made in your favor. I really enjoyed watching you drive into the midfield, take some good touches, play some great passes and spark that attack. How do you feel the attacking side of your game has grown this year?
JOHN NELSON: A lot. I think even last year, it's grown a lot. But this year, as well. I think that just comes with getting minutes, consistency, defensively I think I'm very strong on the ball and I build very good.
I do think in this league, and maybe just in sports, you get a reputation as a player, and I've always been known as a defensive player only, which honestly I don't agree with.
I think I can help the attack in different ways. If it's a nice through ball, if it's just very consistent, came on the ball and then starting the attack, and then last year and even this year, a good cross into the box, driving inside, making guys commit.
But yeah, obviously, no comparison. He's a great player, young, up can and coming. I love watching him play. He's not scared to do things. He's going to have a great career. Really good future.
But for me, it's worrying about myself. I think I've grown a lot in the attack and I don't want people just to think I'm a defensive player. Maybe just because I'm very good defensively. But I don't want that reputation, I'm only defensive.
Like we said earlier, I think a complete left back, a complete fullback, is what a team wants and it's what I want to be.
So I'm getting there. Keep going.
Q. Great job showing it.
JOHN NELSON: Thank you. Thank you.
FastScripts Transcript by ASAP Sports