The Philadelphia Union are just hours away from their U.S. Open Cup semi final clash with the Chicago Fire. Hometown hero John McCarthy sat down with the media yesterday afternoon in the weekly Union press conference to discuss the upcoming fixture. We picked the best quotes from yesterdays conference as McCarthy looks ahead to the game at PPL Park.
“I feel pretty good.” Said the Union Keeper. “I thought we had a good performance against Orlando from front to back so, taking a little bit of momentum into that game. We know it’s a big game and we know we have another chance of going to a final so that’s something we want to do for sure.”
When asked about the effect of playing two consecutive games had an effect on his confidence, McCarthy had this to say
“I guess you could say it gives you a little bit more confidence. A little more game under your belt. A little more momentum I guess you could say. So its good, it feels good to get a couple more games and prepare myself for a big game like this.”
The Union have struggled this season and endured a season of more ups and downs than a season of Game Of Thrones. But the man who has two penalty shootout wins to his name believes that it’s helped his team.
“We have a load of grit and grind in us. We know we have to perform and every game is meaningful to us so we try to bring it to the table every time we step on the field and this is a time to step on the field and make something happen as a team.”
For McCarthy, it’s also been a rocky road. With the Union goalkeeper situation being a constant topic of conversation, the rookie is confident in his ability yet knows he can do even better.
“I feel like it’s all right I guess. I feel like it’s decent. I wouldn’t say it’s at the highest but I wouldn’t say it´s at the lowest by any means. I’ve definitely had my ups and downs this year and hit a little bit of a rough patch in the middle of the season but I’ve always said that everyday I try to be better than I was the day before and take it as a learning experience. It’s my first time in the MLS so it’s tough so I definitely think there is room for improvement but I think it’s all right.”
Whilst his MLS form has been a little patchy, his Cup form has been impeccable. Two shootout wins to his name that highlight his composure still don’t do his leadership justice. He has developed a solid trust in his back four and that trust is reciprocated. It’s important for a goalie to have the support of his teammates, McCarthy certainly has that and will look to utilise it come tonights game.
