Cristian ‘Chicho’ Arango: “We have shown the ambition to get past Houston Dynamo”

The revamped Round One of the MLS Cup Playoffs reaches a thrilling conclusion this weekend with qualification on the line for six teams.

Battling for a place in the Conference Semi-finals on Saturday are Houston Dynamo and Real Salt Lake. After losing the series opener in Houston, RSL needed a victory on home turf in the second game of this best-of-three series and they were inspired by the introduction of striker Cristian ‘Chicho’ Arango from the substitutes bench to change the game.

Arango started as a substitute after suffering a minor injury the week before but his quality soon showed once he entered the fray. If RSL are to progress past a talented Houston side, Arango’s experience and creative spark will be crucial.

Ahead of the all-important clash at Shell Energy Stadium AS USA spoke to Arango about his playoff ambitions, the new-look format and goal-scoring milestones.

Cristian Arango interview

How have you found the playoffs and this new best-of-three format?

“It is a format that surprised us all, but we are living it to the fullest. We have another final to play and we hope to pass it. It is difficult to play so many games against the same team, but we’ve adapted to the new playoffs and we hope it goes well for us.”

“It is something unusual, but we are here to grow as a team and we will need to be sharp on game day to get the win. We are living with a lot of intensity and real desire. We have shown the ambition to progress in this series and we are working hard for that.”

Some players have complained about the number of games in these playoffs, how are you feeling about it?

“It is a decisive match, but it is something that we plan towards and we can get a result. Obviously with three games in the first round it is a little more complicated to prepare for tactically, both for the coaching staff and the team, but we are ready for all the games that come.”

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You are one away from 100 professional goals, would Saturday be the perfect time to get it?

“It would be very satisfying to score my 100th goal on Saturday, but the important thing is that the team can win. If the team progress through this series and that will make me very happy. After a certain age [reaching 100 goals] became a target. I wanted to reach a certain number and when things are going well, you want to take on that challenge.”

Do you have a special celebration planned for this Saturday?

“Yes, I have a celebration for my son who told me that we have to celebrate with a special celebration.”

How have you felt after your arrival with Real Salt Lake?

“I received that vote of confidence from all the staff and teammates with the way they welcomed me when I arrived here and the way the fans received me. Things have gone well for me in these months and it has been very gratifying, I’m happy with that.”

Have you spoken to Colombia teammate Luis Díaz since his parents were found?

“The message of support is always transmitted to him by everyone in the national team. We always support him and we were attentive; now I imagine that there will be many people who want to contact him and it is better that he has some space. He can calm down and I can speak to him later.”

Have you been impressed with this new generation of the Colombian national team?

“It has been a pretty positive process. What has been done in the qualifiers has been quite good and we hope that we can contribute much more to the national team to get it to where it deserves.”