Orlando Pride (1-4-0, 3 points) vs. Racing Louisville (0-1-4, 4 points)
When: Saturday, 7 p.m.
Where: Exploria Stadium, Orlando
TV: Paramount+ (subscription required)
Tickets: View seats
Hear from Orlando Pride head coach Seb Hines and forward Adriana following Wednesday's training session from Orlando Health Training Ground at Sylvan Lake Park:
Orlando Pride Head Coach Seb Hines
On the overall vibe of the team after the win...Â
Yeah, obviously they're pleased. We felt that it was coming at some point. We're happy that it came on Saturday in a difficult environment to play in but the players showed great attitude. We went there believing that we could win the game and it showed in the performance.
On if the team feels relieved getting their first win...Â
Obviously there’s an element of relief. We've talked about the players putting the work in and rewarding themselves for all the work that they've put in. So now it's, we have to keep moving forward. We said to them this morning, that three points away at San Diego means nothing if we don't get three points against Louisville. So it's just a building block right now and we have to keep pushing forward and keep that momentum.
On what problems Louisville presents...Â
It's a different team to previous years. They've obviously added to their roster, they've added more experience as well with [Abby] Erceg and [Carson] Pickett. So it'll be a difficult game, every game is a difficult game in this in this league and that's why we love it. Everything, every game is a challenge. They're looking for their first win, also so it should be a competitive game, a good game for both teams. And, again, we have to go there and get a win in front of our fans, because our fans deserve that as well. So, yeah, looking forward to it.
On bringing the San Diego performance back home...Â
We haven't played bad at home, we just haven't got that reward, that little bit of luck. We bring the energy, we feed off the fans’ energy, as well. We want to make it a difficult environment and I don't think it's a lot between winning and losing right now. Obviously, we just want to be on the on the positive end of it. But we just got to keep battling, keep working hard, keep fighting for three points and as long as we do that, we put ourselves in a good position to win the game.
On Adriana getting her first goal and what her next step is...Â
Just consistency. I mean, you saw again, what she can bring. I'm so happy for her to get her first goal and the first assist. There's many more to come as well. She's a phenomenal player. She's very aggressive and in the attack, and that's what we asked from here. We want her to be aggressive and take players 1v1, get more shots off. And she showed, that so now that's her standard. She has to bring that every game and put fear in defenders. And I think that's what she's doing right now. Teams have noticed her qualities and that's a credit to her and her recent performances.
Orlando Pride Forward Adriana
On scoring her first goal in San Diego...
Well, I'm really, really happy for the goal, even happier for the victory. It was a tough game but it was great to get the goal.
On how she’s been adjusting to the team and style of play...
I'm feeling well, adapting with the style of play, with the style of the coaches and the teammates. I'm putting a lot of effort in and time to adjust and making sure I'm ready for whatever Seb needs me to do.
On being able to celebrate the win on the road...
I mean, it was great. It felt like we took some weight off of our back. We really needed that win, our first win and those [three] points. So the team, the entire team put a lot of effort in, put everything they could on the field for the 90 minutes and for the stoppage time. So it was great to get that win.
On the progression of the younger players from day one through now...
I think it’s an adapting moment, not only for me switching leagues, but also for these new ones that are coming to their first professional year. So, it’s slowly but everyone is doing it together. We are also growing game-by-game together. So, hopefully, throughout the season we start getting even more together and adapting together and getting all of that clicking so we can continue strong and determined.
On differences she sees in the NWSL vs. Brazil...
Think it’s more the speed. I think here it’s really quick. So, in the actions, everything needs to be done really quick compared to in Brazil. And also the physical part. Here is pretty physical as well. Not as much the technical, in Brazil it’s pretty technical, but more the physical in this league.
