They Said It

💬 Seb Hines: 'We showed a lot of character' following comeback draw with Racing Louisville

Orlando Pride Head Coach Seb Hines

Opening StatementĀ 

ā€œHard fought point, we showed a lot of character toward the end [of the game]. Itā€™s never easy to go two goals down in a game, especially in this league. I canā€™t fault the players, especially their attitude toward the end. Youā€™re looking at players stepping up in that environment, which is tough to not only get the goal but then to see the game out. [It was] a really important point for us moving forward.ā€Ā 

On Summer Yates scoring after working hard this offseasonĀ 

ā€œSummer has put the effort in in the offseason. Sheā€™s had moments in preseason where sheā€™s had to come in and make a difference and today, she did exactly what we asked of her. Her effort and even her tenacity defending, which is probably not something that sheā€™s comfortable with, but to get the goal, the equalizing goal late in the game shows her worth and what we need for us to move forward.ā€Ā 

On being able to score late and earn a point while being down a playerĀ 

ā€œItā€™s the evolution of us. We go back to last year, we were the team that was giving up those late goals and getting nothing out of the game. I think itā€™s a really important step in the right direction for us to score late on, with 10 players, away from home. Like I said, itā€™s a really vital point and it shows the character and is a testament of the team and the togetherness of the team in these tough situations for us. Really pleased with the performance. Disappointed for us to go two-goals down in order for us to wake up and be our true selves but, again, itā€™s a really good confidence booster.ā€

Orlando Pride Forward Summer YatesĀ 

On her equalizing goalĀ 

ā€œBefore the goal happened, Adri[ana] played me one and I thought I had a sitter and I missed it. So I knew after that I was going to put myself in any opportunity to get that goal back. Angelina played a great ball in off the cross and I tried to time my run and find an opening and just place it. Once I saw the goal, I knew I could place it in the side. Itā€™s super exciting to get that point here, it was an amazing feeling and a good start to the season.ā€Ā 

On her mentality to come in as a substitute and make an impactĀ 

ā€œI think I have a good understanding of my role: to get on the ball, to cause chaos in the attack and score goals, obviously, and help us win games and tie games like in this scenario. I think I know my role and I think everyone on the bench knows their role also so itā€™s super exciting to be able to be that person today, but I think it was a good team fight today.ā€Ā 

On what the fight shown tonight means moving forwardĀ 

ā€œLast year that game could have ended in 2-0 but our mentality this year, who we are as a team, weā€™re not going to settle for losses on away trips. Weā€™re always looking to at least get a point. Everyone knows that on this team and I think thatā€™s really special this year and what we lacked last year ā€“ a lot of losses but not a lot of ties and those points matter coming into playoffs. So, as a whole, we have a good understanding of what we need to do on away trips, especially in scenarios where we are down to 10 players.ā€

Orlando Pride Midfielder Ally LemosĀ 

On how it felt to make her debutĀ 

ā€œIt was surreal. Even when I got drafted, I was like ā€˜the little girl in me is screaming right nowā€™ but especially this moment, today, making my debut, I was like ā€˜oh my gosh, itā€™s real.ā€™ Thereā€™s nothing that can even start to compare to what Iā€™m feeling right now, just pure joy. We walked away with some points, so itā€™s good.ā€Ā 

On adjusting to her change in role from collegeĀ 

ā€œIā€™m just trying to own my role right now, whatever the team needs. We all want to win and weā€™re all trying to win. So whatever the coaches think is best, Iā€™m totally 100 percent good with that and, like you said, just waiting for my name to be called and if itā€™s called, just being ready to go put my best foot forward and help us win.ā€Ā 

On the mentality of the team to fight back and earn the pointĀ Ā 

ā€œI think it really shows our character. Seb said it right after the game, this whole game was a huge character test. Going down a [player] especially, youā€™re like ā€˜okay we need to buckle down itā€™s time to go.ā€™ Iā€™ve said it from the very beginning, this is such a special team and such a special environment, I think we really showed and embodied that today because it is not easy to be down 2-0, go down a [player] then come back to tie the game. So, yeah, I think itā€™s a big testament to our character.ā€

Orlando Pride (0-0-1) vs Angel City FC (0-0-0)

When: Friday, March 22, 8:00 p.m.

Where: INTER&Co Stadium, Orlando, FL

TV: Prime Video (subscription required)