CHICAGO FIRE MEDIA CONFERENCE

February 24, 2024

Brian Gutierrez

Press Conference

Chicago 2, Philadelphia 2

Q. I know you're frustrated with the result and a tough pill to swallow, conceding at the end but can you walk me through the goal a little bit? Best goal we've seen from you in your career so far.

BRIAN GUTIÉRREZ: Yeah, I stayed wide. I was waiting for the ball. Luckily I got the ball, and Fabi flicking it towards me. I saw a gap in between, what was it, Martinez and the other center back, Glesnes, and so I went between the gap and tried to cut again, cut inside. I just didn't think about it. I just said, why not shoot it and I shoot it. Honestly it was a great goal, and more to come, for sure.

Q. First and foremost, are we allowed to call that a banger?

BRIAN GUTIÉRREZ: Yeah, if you want.

Q. Okay, cool, because the Internet already agreed that's the case. If I'm allowed, the second goal where you assist Fabi, that controlled little pass, can you walk us through that one as well and mentally with those, is that one of those that you're trying not to think too much about; it's like that half-volley short pass in such a small space?

BRIAN GUTIÉRREZ: Yeah, it was a good buildup by me and Kellyn and Maren, a good buildup. I just followed the play and I think that lend me out the most. I saw the keeper, he punched it out, little rebounds in the box. I thought I seen Fabi in the corner of my left eye. And I thought he was in a better position than I am, because the ball, it was coming with the spin, and so I thought he was in a better position. And thankfully we got that goal.

Q. Taking the shot, is that something we're going to see more from you this season to step up the game just a little bit more?

BRIAN GUTIÉRREZ: Yeah, for sure. I think that's my goal, taking more chances, being more of a threat. Yeah, obviously I need to take more shots, like I said, and I think why not have a shot every game. I think, yeah, like you said, you're going to see more of that out of me this season and hopefully more goals, as well.

Q. Could you tell us about how the team played and about how everyone got a lopping with the new players on the field and how they are affecting the team, and if we are going to see something new and different from the Fire this season?

BRIAN GUTIÉRREZ: Yeah, like I said, I think the players that they brought in, I think it was good signings for us. I think that's what we needed, good depth, and I think, yeah, I think we are more of a unit and more united. I think we all are fighting for a starting spot which is great.

You want that good competition on the team, and I think you're going to see a lot of excitement towards the season and the home opener. And every home game and every away game, we're always going to fight for the three points and I think that's the mentality of the team this year.

Q. I know you're focused on the Fire right now, but with goals like and performances like that -- inaudible -- do you think he's going to be on the phone soon?

BRIAN GUTIÉRREZ: Like I always say in the interviews, I try to always do the best on the field and with the club, and towards that, towards doing good on the field with the club, I think everything will implement itself, and yeah, obviously we'll hopefully get a call from him. We'll see what happens.