Orlando Pride Head Coach Seb Hines
Opening Statement
““More than deserved. To go down to 10 players so early on in the game and show the character that we have been talking about all season long is just incredible. To come to this environment, we knew that it was going to be a tough game. We had the same amount of points, same amount of wins, same amount of ties and there was nothing between us in this game. Then, I think we showed our class on the day, our character and personality. Everyone contributed to this win today and it is so good to head into this break with a valued three points.”
On the decisions he made and what made them work in the match
“It didn’t change. We came into this game with the intention that we wanted to win. Whether we are 10 players or 11 players, it doesn’t matter, we always feel like there are opportunities for us to win. We showed enough just after the red card that we had enough to go get that second goal. We showed that we are capable of doing it. There were some challenges. [Temwa] Chawinga is a good player, Debinha is a good player, [Michelle] Cooper. They have some good players, but I thought defensively [we] were terrific even right at the end when there are 10 minutes of extra time. The players embraced it. It was so refreshing to see because we have been working hard all season to keep the ball out of the net. It really showed the work and dedication that the players are showing in training into these types of environments.
On the emotions of the match
“I think the emotions are part of the game. When you get yourself that amped up because you want to go out there and press and you want it so badly, the environment and the occasion can get the best of you. After that moment, I thought we stayed cool and calm. I thought we managed the game really well towards the end. You can see the passion. Some people say its emotional, but it is the passion that someone like Marta shows, and it just transfers to the players. You can see that it is a real tight group here. There is a real togetherness and everyone plays their part. Even at the end, the celebrations are justified by the work the players are putting into it.”
Orlando Pride Midfielder Kerry Abello
On the team earning seven points in three games when they go down a player
“I think it says so much about our mentality. Going a player down obviously isn’t the best situation, but you can still get points. We have played some of our better football when we are a player down. We still found the spaces and we still played well. It is all about making good decisions and honestly being gritty in our defensive third. We were in our defensive third a lot that game, but we have a great defensive line.”
On what it is like to be a part of the team right now
“It is so much fun. We say it almost every day, but we all love coming into work and we all love each other. I honestly think our success on the field reflects so much what our culture is throughout the team. Again, I am just so happy for the team, and you can see that through all of us today.”
On the team’s goals for the rest of the season
“Win a shield. We want to win the shield and then win it all. We have proved that is our potential and we plan on going for it.”
