North Carolina, Maryland advance to College Cup finals at Pizza Hut Park

Postgame Quotes

North Carolina

Head Coach Elmar Bolowich

“Wake Forest is a team that has very few weaknesses. We knew our chances would be limited so we were going to have to be successful when we had the opportunity. I have to give enormous credit to our staff and the team for not caving in and playing a full game. I have to give them enormous credit.”

Brooks Haggerty – Junior GK #1

“Wake Forest had a lot of attacks – I am real happy with how our team played. I just concentrated on not letting the ball in, not letting anything in.”

“Of course, during the end of the game, I was the most nervous. When I saved Marcus’s shot, and tipped it over the goal, I knew we could do this.”

Brian Shriver – Senior F #31

“I knew we would be capable to beat them. I don’t think they came in with any arrogance. As a team, we didn’t let what happened before enter our minds. We’ve been working hard – if I don’t score and we win, I could care less. It’s not about individual stats – it is all about the team.”

Wake Forest

Coach Jay Vidovich-

“Congratulations to North Carolina and their chances to win a national championship – hats off to Coach Bolowich and his boys. We just didn’t play the first 45 minutes, and the value of the first goal is just huge.”

“We just didn’t play. Credit to North Carolina, but we just wasted too much time.”

[On hand ball near net]

“I saw the ball hit a hand, but obviously the referee did not see that. We can’t look for the official to decide the game.”

[If he was disappointed about the season]

“How could you call it a disappointment? We took everyone’s best shot all year. I’m gutted, and would do anything to still be playing … not disappointed though.”

[On if team was complacent]

“If we were complacent, would we of come out so uptight? (The) reality is that this was this first time to the final four for this team. This is a totally different team than last year.”

Marcus Tracy #9

[On getting opportunities and not scoring]

“The opportunities that we had were kind of hurried and not the typical type of chances that we have had this year. I think that it shows that this team has a lot of will and heart to fight the entire game.”

Corben Bone #10

[On playing in home town]

“(It was) great – I saw a lot of family and friends in the stands. I just wish that we could play one more game in my hometown.”

Sam Cronin #2

[On whether or not he has realized it was his last game]

“I don’t think so yet. The toughest thing for me is that it is our last game for our whole class.

[On slow start]

“I sensed a little nervousness, which was surprising. We have been here before.”

Maryland

Head Coach Sasho Cirovski

“I’m delighted with the victory. Arguably the best player on the field got the game-winning goal.”

“We are one of the few teams that hasn’t had a tie this year. That is a testament to our game and how we keep pushing and pushing.”

Omar Gonzalez D/F Jr.

“What I expect on Sunday is that they are going to come at us and we aren’t going to have as much time with the ball.”

“We just knew that we needed to keep them in front of us.”

Graham Zusi F/M Sr.

(On game-winning free kick)

“We’ve been working on those all season. I just wanted to give it a chance.”

St. John's

Head Coach Dave Masur-

“I’m very proud of these guys. They played very well the whole game. Maryland is a very explosive team to play and they played well all season. Neal [Kitson] had a great game and a great season. He had a very tough assignment tonight.”

Neal Kitson #1 [On the free kick]

“It’s very disappointing especially after getting to this stage of the year and that point of the game. It was a great free kick and there was not much anyone could do.”