Orlando Pride Head Coach Seb Hines
Opening Statement
“I thought the players were phenomenal with their attitude and energy that they showed. Even the way that we played was brave. I loved the bravery that they played with, especially in an environment like this, and the success that Kansas City has had. There is almost a little bit of disappointment that we didn’t come away with more. They always pose a threat with their direct play, but I thought that we got to certain positions and was maybe just a little bit away from taking the shot or putting in the cross and just in those little final moments. Overall, I am really pleased with the performance under some tough circumstances.”
On Rafaelle making her first start after an extended injury absence
“She is a top player. We would love to have her start more games, but due to injury and especially this period, we still have to be careful with her and manage her correctly and give her the right amount of minutes. Today, with the progression that she has shown with some of the games prior to this, it was an opportunity to give her 45. She can build on that now. We have a quick turnaround with Angel City. We want Rafa fit and ready to go to multiple games this season.”
On losing Barbra Banda early in the game to injury
“Something you don’t plan for is Barbra [Banda] going down after 10 minutes. Barbra is such a key player for us with her threat in behind and her goalscoring. She is constantly putting herself in positions to score. We had to adapt. We still wanted to keep the threat with Ally [Watt] and Prisca [Chilufya] on the wings, but we had a different style of play to what a lot of the fans have seen and what Kansas City have seen. We thought we could control the tempo of the game as well as have that threat in behind. Credit to the players as they adapted really well.”
Orlando Pride Defender Rafaelle
Opening Statement
“It was a tough game. It is always hard to play here against Kansas City. They are a good team and are top of the table. I think the performance we showed today will set the tone for the next games in our schedule. I thought we did a good job defensively and we will build from that.”
On earning her first start since returning from injury
“It feels great. I was so happy to be back on the pitch, especially starting the game. I feel so special to be a part of this team. It is a blessing, and I just enjoy being out there with all the girls and I am glad I could help the team today.”
On the journey to getting back onto the pitch
“It’s not easy. Not everybody sees it, the behind-the scenes, just working hard, getting strong and getting fit to play those hard games as we did today. It is hard. I have been struggling to get back on the field. I am so happy to be back now, and it is just going to keep building up my minutes. I played 45 minutes today maybe next game I will get 60 and we will go from there.”
