Orlando City Head Coach Oscar Pareja
Opening Statement
“Well, first, it’s a great night in front of our fans to score four goals against a very difficult rival. Just seeing the team and the evolution we are looking for. Keeping that momentum that we’ve had in the last six games. It’s all good to see. The first half we sought the game early by just being sharp scoring. We knew Montréal would come to look for us in the second half and give us some space and that’s what happened. Again, we’re fine in front of the goal and its something that makes us look good. Happy with the result but as this competition tells us, get ready for the next one.”
On importance of Thórhallsson’s goal to start the match
“It was a problem early in the semester, just difficulties scoring to open games. We were always chasing or coming from behind. The fact the boys are more precise in the last piece of the field and finalizing our sequences and being sharp on the finish, just makes the other things we do much better. Again, in the first semester, we probably did a lot of those things, but without finishing it doesn’t look good. Today, the boys are sharp and that makes a huge difference.”
On getting a win against CF Montréal after two draws this season
“In the home opener, we played well but we were not fine in the last piece of the field. We probably created more sequences and more chances today. The number and metrics tell us that, but when you are not fine in front of the goal, you do not win games. This week, I reviewed that game and the other we played at their place, and the big difference is we’re good around the backs now and having the players in good individual moments. That changes the whole picture. In terms of strategy, we know they like the wall, they like playing up from behind and make you feel like you are not being the protagonist of the game. But we felt comfortable in not having the ball in those periods, knowing that we were creating trouble and options, clear options to score. So, we dealt with that problem in a good way and our transitions and the way we attack the backs was very good.”
Orlando City SC Midfielder Dagur Dan Thórhallsson
Opening Statement
“If I’m correct, I think Nico [Lodeiro] took a shot, and then I saw the ball come to me and thought ‘well I’ll just shoot it’, took a touch and shot it, thankful it went it. So, it was a good one; great win.”
On how important Pedro Gallese's penalty save was
“Amazing. One of the best keepers in MLS and in America and he’s captain for Peru. Great keeper and a great guy, so it was amazing. Important because I felt that were a little bit slowed down which is not great.”
On the team’s expectations in Leagues Cup
“To win it. That’s the only thing, we go into it to win it. If we don’t want to win it, then why are we competing? It’s our mindset to go into every competition to win. We are going to win every trophy that we can. If not, then why are we here?”
Orlando City SC Defender David Brekalo
Opening Statement
“Honestly, it’s nice to be back as I think it was my first outing after two months. I felt I was rusty and have less confidence in my passes, but I think it’s going to come back. Just after a long time without starting, not playing 90 minutes, I feel like I lost a little bit but it’s a matter of time to get back into it.”
On getting back into a rhythm
“Of course, it’s super nice. With every goal you score your confidence grows and it’s much easier to get back into a rhythm.”
On winning their opening Leagues Cup match
“I think we all know that the first two teams go to the knockout stage, and this is a huge part already. But of course, the next game we need to get three points because we are competitors, and we want to win every single game.”
