Orlando Pride Head Coach Seb Hines
Opening Statement
“It was an outstanding performance, flawless really, [with] the amount of goals the players scored and to get a clean sheet. I think most importantly it was for the fans tonight. When you look at the [big] picture and look at days like today, it means a lot for the community, and so we had to do our job tonight. The players fully did that and put on a real show for the fans and the supporters who stood by us and [have] gone through moments of adversity over the eight years. That performance epitomizes what this team is about and the determination, their grit and their relentlessness to go after it and get a comprehensive win.”
On getting three goals late in the game
“ We had a good chat after the North Carolina game because we left the game feeling disappointed that we weren’t able to score the goals we created. You could see tonight there was a real passion, a real hunger to put the ball in the back of the net; there were some really good goals tonight. I still think we left some on the table as well, which is remarkable. To end the game with Adri[ana], Ally [Watt], Barbra [Banda] and Marta as the front four is pretty scary. As the game went on you could see the spaces and opportunities that presented themselves. I thought their [Utah] goalkeeper made some really good saves as well. Shout out to her coming up and making some important saves. It’s nice to score late on because I don't think we’ve done that all year. We’ve scored a lot of early goals; we’ve gotten into games scoring in the first 20 minutes of games and then second halves haven’t been the same. Our message to the players at halftime has been 2-0 is a really dangerous scoreline. We have to make sure that third goal, and to get it so quickly after halftime, was really important to us. I think that momentum settled into the rest of the game.”
On standards after two road draws
“It’s a testament to them and their drive and hunger. I think it’s always difficult to pick up points away from home, especially in environments such as San Diego and North Carolina, who haven’t given up any points to anyone. To leave those environments with a bittersweet taste in your mouth knowing you performed well but there's still a little bit left there. You can see tonight that what they did in the last two games showed in their performance. Tonight was incredible to get into those positions and be relentless and score the goals and put the ball in the back of the net. We know there’s still a lot of games still to be played, but what the players have set for themselves, they want that consistency especially at home. We have the backing of the fans; we got this tough environment we created for any team to try and come in and win. So, we use that as fuel that the home games really matter to us. Every game is different, and every opponent is different. We have two games on the road again and so we want to continue that momentum and belief moving forward.”
Orlando Pride Forward Marta
Opening Statement
“Amazing, it was a really special night. I never have lived these moments in Orlando with this team. Of course, I’m so happy and proud of the team for everything that we did and showed together on the field.”
On what made this victory so dominant
“I think everybody thinks about the last two games and we were not happy with the performance and were not scoring enough, especially in the last game. Tonight we were determined to do something different, to score all of the goals that we didn’t score in the last two games. I think we did a good job when we talk about defense and when we go into the attack, we go with passion and a hunger to score, so I think this makes a huge difference with us.”
On Barbara Banda’s impact on the team since her arrival
“She works so hard. She works so hard defending and on offense. We know how fast she is and we need to work to put the ball in the space and a good position for her. I think we did good and that’s why we have the system. A couple of years ago we created a lot of chances but didn’t have that player to finish the service. This year with her and of course, because of her, it opens more space for other players. She scored two goals today but we had a lot of other chances from other players, so I think it’s collective work and we are happy to have her here and I hope she keeps doing that.”
On the key factors for Pride reaching this potential
“I think the most important [factor] for this team is the mentality we create from the beginning of this season. We decided to work hard to win the game and win one after the other. Not just win one game and not show out for the other. We try to find a balance and keep that for every game, especially for home games. In the past and to now, the results at home needed to be three points. Nobody’s allowed to come here and have fun besides us.”
Orlando Pride Forward Barbra Banda
Opening statement
“Feels great playing at home and having three points. I think we dedicated this game to the community of the Orlando Pride and I think it was very good for us because we dominated the game from the first [minute] to the end. I think the team really worked so hard.”
On getting back on the scoresheet
“Yeah, I think it’s the nature of the game; you can score and in some other games you can’t score. I think for me when I have an opportunity and a chance, I have to take it wisely. When I get a chance, I have to put the ball in the back of the net. If any game I didn’t score, I just have to go to my drawing board and work hard so that in the next game so I can find a goal.”
On team message going into the game
“I think with our team the most important thing is confidence. Everyone has confidence and the message was that we have to dominate the game, we have to keep calm, keep the ball, keep on moving so that we can find some chances.”
