Orlando City Head Coach Oscar Pareja
Opening Statement
“We feel very [good]. I would like to remark on the discipline of the players in a very difficult game. It seems like we were precise in the moments that we needed the most, but the discipline and the commitment that we have within the structure of the team was to survive in the moments where New England had their chances. So, while we're growing collectively, the team will have better chances to have performances like these and winning more points. So, we're happy with it. And now, within the game, I thought we had control and when we had the chances, that is something that made me very optimistic for what is coming. We are precise in the box. We're scoring goals again, and that makes us look like we're in a good place. Congratulations to the players. To the fans, thanks for joining us today. Seeing them in the stands always will be very encouraging for us.”
On weathering the early pressure
“It's right. The first 13, 14 minutes was a game with no domination from either. I would say they [New England] had more control of the ball. But we knew that New England would put some numbers up front, and I'm not going to say we did that on purpose, but we knew that if they made us defend in that lower block, it would be convenient to use those spaces in behind because they were fragile in that part. Not that we wanted to plan it, we wanted just to keep the same that we had. That's exactly what happened with Nashville, and today we did similar. Not that we wanted, but we survived in those moments of New England's control, and then we hurt them.”
On Pedro Gallese’s save to preserve the lead
“I was worried about two things. With these official FIFA [windows], it takes three of our players out of our roster and they come back two days before and continuing with that momentum is difficult. When we went to Kansas City, it was hard for us to get the pace of the league again and today, I was worried about it, but we overcame it, we did [well]. But when we were up 2-0, that was my main concern. I said, ‘we cannot them lead in this game, and we need the third goal.’ Now it would be complicated, and then comes that [Carlos Gil] free kick that you mentioned. Pedro [Gallese] saved us there, and they had a couple [more] chances too. I want to be optimistic and happy, but I want to be with my feet on the ground with our players knowing that it was a big challenge today. It was not that easy. Especially when we were [up] 2-0, and then Duncan came in and gave us that piece of scoring and put the game away for us.”
Orlando City SC Defender Rafael Santos
Opening Statement
“I want to thank everyone for the opportunity. We’ve been working on that play for a while now, so we were attentive to the ball that was coming and thankfully had the opportunity to score.”
On the game plan to slow down Carles Gil
“We’re always attentive to that. Major League Soccer has quality players at all times, so we knew what we had to concentrate and focus on. At the end of the day, it’s about not giving your opponent an opportunity and that’s what we tried to do tonight.”
On how practices helped him prepare to score
“We joke a lot, we joke that it’s mandatory to put those reps in at the end of training, but we do take it seriously. If it wasn’t for those opportunities to get those reps in, we wouldn’t have gotten the most of this play specifically. At the end of the day, the goal is to score a goal. We always joke that I’m first and Duncan [McGuire] is second.”
Orlando City SC Forward Duncan McGuire
Opening Statement
“We went into the week, and we were looking to get three points. And I think the way we did it tonight, we showed who we are right now at this point of the season. We're very excited and it helps us with motivation and confidence going into the next one. Excited to get the win and on to Wednesday.”
On scoring his goal
“Yeah, I saw a lot of space on the backline, I saw Nico [Lodeiro] had a lot of space as well. So, I didn't think he was going to get pressed for a little bit, so I had time to make a run and Nico got his head up, put a great ball through. Got a little lucky with the finish, but I'll take it.”
On his confidence after scoring
“It's always good to score. It has been a while since I've scored. It's been a bit annoying for my standards, so I'm definitely glad to be back on the scoresheet. But at the end of the day, if we're winning as a team, then that's all that matters. But yeah, definitely glad to be back on the scoresheet and hopefully I can keep it going.”
