CHICAGO FIRE MEDIA CONFERENCE

May 16, 2026

Joel Waterman

Press Conference

Chicago Fire 2, CF Montreal 0

THE MODERATOR: We'll get started with questions.

Q. Hey, man, how did it feel being back at Montreal, and how much did the curveball of being in the midfield add to that excitement and maybe any nerves that were there?

JOEL WATERMAN: Yeah, yeah, we were down some bodies, so I thought it would be a possibility after the DC game. I played a couple of times there even last year with Montreal and a couple of times in my career, but I haven't played there in a long time. So sorry if I seem a bit tired. Fitness is a bit different.

Yeah, no, it was amazing to be back. It was an amazing chapter of my life, and a lot of familiar faces, but just super happy with the 2-0 win. That's all that matters.

Q. How does it feel with this group to get two wins on the road this week when there have been those curveballs thrown at you guys with depth, with you thrown into a different position, and then Montreal pressing you guys at the end?

JOEL WATERMAN: Yeah, we talked about resilience. The mentality was win together this week, and we needed everybody. So you're going to have those types of games during the season.

So it shows a lot of character for our team and how we can overcome, you know, difficult times within a season. We want to make sure that we finish off really, really well against TFC next week going into the World Cup break.

Yeah, big two games on the road. Really good for our team, and we're in a good spot.

Q. I just got to ask you one more time, how was it when you kind of took the field understanding your history at Stade Saputo and with that club with the chance they gave you and everything last few years before making the move?

JOEL WATERMAN: Yeah, I have a lot of respect for the club. Like you said, the chance they took on me coming out of the CPL and giving me my opportunity and to see just -- yeah, six seasons I was here, so just to see where I've come from, like I said, all the good memories, all the great people that I've worked with in the past.

Yeah, even seeing some familiar faces in the fans as well, it was really, really nice to play there again.

Q. First of all, at the end of the game I saw you take a moment to sit down and rest because, you know, playing a much more advanced, complex role. What was it like adjusting into that kind of role where you had to do a lot more stuff on and off the ball?

JOEL WATERMAN: Yeah, it's been different. Obviously you have to keep your head on a swivel more, check your shoulder angles. You've got to run a lot more, do the dirty work for the team.

Like I said, I played there a couple of times in my career, and I kind of have an understanding of the position, but I just wanted to keep things simple. My mindset was keeping it simple, just doing the right things behind the ball, and giving my teammates the best opportunity to score goals and to do what they do best.

Yeah, obviously Hugo did a good job of that, and it was a really great team effort.

Q. What you do you think of the duo between you and Mauri where you didn't really have a connector in front of you where it was you and then it was the forward line?

JOEL WATERMAN: Yeah, I didn't really think much of it. I thought it was really just important being our (indiscernible) actually behind the ball. We knew we would get our chances, and we wanted to work really, really hard to break through.

Yeah, Mauri is great in that position. He moves the ball so well. He wins tackles. I thought we were good together. Yeah, I didn't really think much of it. I just wanted to get to the top guys and let them do their thing.

Q. With the World Cup now and one more game to go, how are you feeling about that? Are you hoping to be part of the Canada group when that kicks off?

JOEL WATERMAN: Yeah, I haven't really thought about it that much. Obviously it's so close now that you have really no choice, but I'm just trying to stay focused on obviously club form and putting my best foot forward for this team, and World Cup will happen when it does.

You know, obviously I think I've done enough to earn a spot on that team, and I really hope I get the opportunity to represent my country. I think for any camp, but especially the World Cup, it's every kid's dream.

I'm just really looking forward to when the team gets announced, and, you know, hopefully my name is there, and I can represent my country on a world stage.

Q. Joel, was there any members of the Waterman clan? How does that encourage you? I know from talking to Paul Dolan beforehand on the English broadcast, he was excited because he was excited to watch you given that he grew up playing with your dad back in the day.

JOEL WATERMAN: Are you asking if any family --

Q. Did any Watermans make it out there for this one?

JOEL WATERMAN: No, no, it's a bit too far. They didn't want to take the five-hour flight. They're awful parents (smiling).

No, I saw some very familiar faces and friends, though, which was really good. Then some teammates, old teammates of mine, that were recently at my wedding. Yeah, it goes full circle.

Like I said, I really miss this place. It was a really, really amazing chapter of my life. Yeah, just playing in front of the fans again, seeing the guys, seeing the staff members that I worked so closely with for six seasons, it was really special.

So, yeah, I'm happy.