Dynamo HC, Ben Olsen talks about win over Real Salt Lake semi

 

    Photo credit: Xavier Rosales, SFL Staff Photographer

Dynamo head coach Ben Olsen

(opening remarks) “It was a great night for the organization, to advance in the playoffs and continue this ride. This season has been really enjoyable for the players, myself, the staff and our fans. Nobody wanted the season to end tonight. We worked very hard throughout the last month or two to keep climbing up the table, to be in this situation, and to have a home game. Fortunately, Kansas City did their part to knock out a higher seed. Now we play them here at Shell Energy Stadium. It will be a great test for us, so I'm looking forward to that matchup.”

 

(on penalty kicks) “I don't think it's any harder than going to penalties at the end of the game with extra time. These are the rules, and if they know in advance, the players can process that. They understand the end of the game happens, and it's time to hit some penalty kicks. I will say, I'm glad Amine (Bassi) stepped up after we lost the penalty kick shootout in Utah. There was a certain state of resilience there, and I'm glad he stepped up.”

 

(on the player huddle after conceding the equalizer) “They do that on their own. It shows you the maturity we have on the field. I believe Erik (Sviatchenko) brought the group together. They've been around the block. I know it's a new team, but these guys have experienced the playoffs, knockout competitions and big matches. They've seen it all when it comes to big matches. They stayed steady during this game, knocked on the door with good looks and didn't give up too many chances on the defensive end.”