After our 2-0 defeat by Huntsville City FC in the MLS NEXT Pro Eastern Conference Quarterfinals, Captain Farid Sar-Sar answered questions from the media.
Sar-Sar was asked about what the team's performance, what improvements have been made this year, and his experience being CFC's captain this season.
Here's everything he had to say:
on frustration of being shut-out in a defeat at home for the first time since July:
"It is tough. It was a tough game today. I think it's frustrating because we thought we were the team who was going to win today. It is not the best feeling, but also I'm happy with the energy and the intensity. The team gave everything, so there's no complaints, there is no regrets about that. Since July, we haven't lost a game at home without scoring and it tells you about the resilience and flexibility of the team, it tells you a lot. I think we did a great job today. It wasn't the best game we played and they capitalized in those opportunities, so that's why we're out."
on what the message among the team was after the match:
"I think we're all proud of the season we played this year. We emptied the tank, we gave absolutely everything we had since January 5th when we started preseason. So there's no regrets. There's things to improve. There's a lot of room to improve, but at the same time we gave everything and there's no regrets to be honest."
on improvements made from last season:
"I think the club has made a lot of good decisions this year. We have good people on the field and off the field. I think that's big because it's easier to work with those people. From the start, that makes everything easier. I think we have more competent people, inside and off the field as well, so that's been easy for us. We have selfless people, so they gave everything for the team and sometimes there is nothing in return like today. We do it because we have passion and we are used to that. We're a resilient team, flexible, and that's one of the biggest improvements from last year. With the results, I think there's been a big improvement. Last year we finished ninth, this year we finished fourth. We played a home playoffs game, which is big."
on if the match played out tactically how he was anticipating it to:
"We knew they like to have the ball and I think we feel comfortable defending more. Our idea was to counterattack and then rely on set pieces. It didn't work as well today. Unfortunately, they scored a late goal in the first half, and then you have to be front-footed and try to attack and then, of course, you give space and time in the back. It's one of those that you have to take more risks because they scored that goal. I think if we went to the locker room at halftime 0-0 it could've been a different night. I think they are a very good team, probably one of the best teams in the league and they showed it today."
on his message for Chattanooga FC's supporters:
"Thank you, thank you. I want to thank the fans, they've been huge. They are the core of our team. We play for them. They are the heart of our community. I think all we do is for them. We said it before the game and we said it before every single game. [Whether] it's raining, it's hot, it's cold, if we play here or we play in Toronto, people show up and that is insane for us. That is crazy, that is good, we love it. I think I cannot only say thank you for today, but also for the whole season. We felt the support, we felt they are next to us. We felt they are always cheering for us and that's huge for us."
on what it's been like to captain this team:
"It's been great. Unfortunately, I was the captain because of Alex McGrath's injury, which is not ideal. Hopefully he's going to be back. He's a great captain, he's a great guy and great player as well. It was a challenge at the beginning of the year because I wasn't expecting to be the captain. It was a big challenge for me, and I think I was myself. The team backed me up and the coaches backed me up, so I said 'Okay, I'm going to be myself.' That was easy. It's easy to work with good people who you can rely on and who give everything every single day."
