Orlando Pride Head Coach Seb Hines
Opening Statement
“Every game that we’re playing in is always going to be a challenging game, but it’s just a testament to the players and their attitude. We wanted to start the game on the front foot, we wanted to start with intensity. To take the lead after 20 minutes, I thought we were terrific. I thought we played some really good football, and I think the second goal optimizes what we’re trying to do, and Adri[anna] takes both her goals really well. Then obviously towards the end, they’re pushing more numbers forward, trying to get back in the game. Again, we talk about mentality and attitude and throwing your body on the line to keep the ball out of the net. It was brilliant to see, and again it’s another clean sheet against a good opponent.”
On breaking the record for most wins all-time as a Pride Head Coach
"It’s cool, I guess. I don’t even think about it. I’m the one who lives in the moment and I'm already thinking about the next game. We said all season long that records are great, winning streaks, unbeaten streak, winning as coach is great. But we have an objective that we want to achieve this year, and we will continue it.”
On not conceding a goal past the 75th minute
“I’ve said it many times this year, we conceded a lot of late goals last year and it paid dividends in our standings. We really honed it in this year, we talked about attitude and commitment, and you can see that from the players. Even when Gotham was pushing more numbers forward, being braver and it’s more direct play, the players are fully prepared for those moments, and they embrace it. It’s more mentality than anything but we’re also threatening in transition the likes of Barbra [Banda], Ally [Watt], Adriana, Marta, Julie Doyle. As they commit more numbers, there’s more space to expose them in transition. It’s unfortunate for Julie [Doyle], in that moment the goal didn’t stand because it was an incredible finish. But we say that all the time, you have to be committed to defending, especially in the box. It’s another clean sheet and we’re just try and continue that all season long.”
Orlando Pride Defender Cori Dyke
Opening Statement
“We’re feeling great, we’re just keeping the winning streak going, so can't complain. We knew this was going to be a big match and we take every match seriously. But of course, Gotham was going to be a good opponent, so we were preparing super well this week. Everyone was working super hard, super focus and we came ready to play this game.”
On Adriana’s early goals
“It was huge. We always talk about setting the tone early, and I think we did especially with that goal. It really got us on the front foot, but another big thing is not letting off the gas. So I think once we got that goal, we were just more hungry for the second one and really kept the pressure on.”
On moving from the left side to the right
“Ever since I’ve been here, I’ve just tried to be a sponge and soak up everything I can from the players around me. I’m blessed to play with a lot of experienced, talented players. I think just playing in that environment every single day has helped me to be able to step in wherever I need to, and my foundation coming out of Penn State has just allowed me to have that solid technical and tactical ability to be able to slot in where I can. I’m just willing to do whatever the team needs.”
Orlando Pride Defender Kylie Strom
Opening statement
“Yeah I mean, we just keep it going. We just take one game at a time, and Gotham is obviously a very good opponent, super fluid, previous champions. So yeah, feels good, feels great.”
On attacking Gotham’s top players
“Honestly, just business as usual. We know they’re a talented team, really fluid in their rotations. You really got to be on your toes, head on a swivel at all times and problem solve. At the end of the day, we have to stick to our principles, and we did exactly that.”
On Adriana’s early goals
“That’s massive. Gotham’s very good with their press. They’re a very aggressive team. So we knew the start of the game was really important for us. We were able to play through them, which was really important for us, and then they had to adapt a little bit. So yeah, getting those goals early, and then being able to defend for our lives in the end paid off.”
