💬 Summer Yates: Happy to 'make an impact every game' after scoring game-winner against San Diego Wave

Orlando Pride Head Coach Seb Hines

Opening Statement 

“We set out at the start of the year, considering how well we did last year, we knew we had to pick up more points away from home and what a great example today with three points away from home, under tough conditions. Obviously after an international break, as well. I just love the commitment and the desire from the players to keep going and play the right way and it’s a massive reward for them to come away with three points after having a really good performance today.” 

On how close he thinks the team is to putting together a “full 90 minutes” 

“I’m really pleased with the shutout, that’s something that we need to continue to grow on. I do feel like, both in possession and out-of-possession, we controlled the game for the most part. I thought Summer [Yates] and Ally [Watt] did a really good job with dictating the press, forcing errors from Utah. I think what we can do to improve more is being a little more threatening in transition. You know, maybe get a few more shots off at the opponent’s goal. But other than that, I’m just so pleased with them. Marta takes a goal really well. Again, it comes from waves of attack – one, two, a third phase within that moment, and then she just finished perfectly into the corner. The backline and the midfield did really well just controlling it and communicated well, as well. They made sure they were covering the distances. But Utah are a good team. They do a lot of rotations, they’ve been unlucky in a couple of games early on in the season and so we were prepared for that. They started to put a few balls in behind and I thought everyone played a part in defending those moments. So, yeah, I’m really pleased with the clean sheet and the goal and the three points.” 

On the start of this season for Marta 

“She’s full of energy. You can see her passion. She had a different role today, we were mindful of her energy levels. She played 90 minutes for Brazil on Tuesday and it was a quick turnaround with the travel, also. So to come off the bench and make an impact, there’s no better way than scoring the winning goal. She’s been brilliant for us. She just loves the game whatever her role is.”

Orlando Pride Midfielder Angelina

Opening statement

“I think the team did really good tonight. We knew it was going to be a physical game and we just came prepared for this battle. I’m just so proud of this team and how we came out tonight.”

On asserting dominance throughout the game

“We knew it was going to be a hard game against San Diego. They had a brilliant season last season. They’re always so consistent, so we came in concentrated on this game. In training, we’re pushing ourselves to be our best. Tonight, we did a lot of game management and I think we did a really good job at that.”

On playing with Summer Yates and Haley McCutcheon

“I was just playing [in the double pivot] with Haley. Sometimes I go a little bit higher than Haley, so it seems like I'm playing more as an 8 than a 6. But I was mostly a 6 with Haley. I think they’re really good soccer players. Both of them are really technical so it makes everything easy.”

Orlando Pride Forward Summer Yates

Difference between this season and last season

“I think I worked really hard in the offseason because I wanted to get to this point. I wanted to be able to start games and play significant minutes for this team. It’s been great. Trying to be more consistent and just learn from the other veterans every single day.”

What it means to start the last couple games

“It means the world to me. Just to have the coach’s trust and make an impact every game has been huge for me. I think I’m continuing to learn, continuing to become more consistent in and around the goal. Every single game it feels like it’s coming easier and easier so hopefully I'll stay on that progression and keep learning every day.”

On comfort level playing full games

“Coming off the bench and playing a full 90 or 80, 75 minutes, whatever it is, is very different. Being able to have the fitness to play that long is different. I'm trying to keep with the flow. Keep trying to make things happen. Get on the ball more. I think in Utah I didn't really see the ball much and only saw it 15 times. Just trying to get touches on the ball, be more creative in the attack and combine with the other midfielders and forwards.”