Orlando Pride Head Coach Seb Hines
Opening Statement
“I thought we were terrific. We wanted to start off on the right foot. Getting that three-nil lead in the first half really gave us a foundation to go on and win the game. Second half was obviously a little different because Chicago are going to put on a bit more pressure and we had to weather a storm in that sense and I felt we handled it really well. It was nice to get some players onto the pitch, as well, and allow us to rest a few players in the lead up to Sunday’s game. Overall, really pleased. A lot of great performances. It has been coming as well. We have been disappointed with the results and not the performances, so it was nice for it all to come together tonight.”
On scoring the first goal
“It is so important to score the first goal, especially with this team. I think the record speaks for itself. It gives you that foundation and changes the opponents' gameplan. Credit to Chicago because they put a terrific effort in with their quick turnaround going from Sunday to Wednesday. I know it is rough for their players. For us, we wanted to put a lot of pressure on them and find the right moments as well. Not just high press because we are just running around but find the moment to really influence them, win the ball and go to goal in transition. We had a couple of those moments and then will also find moments to build. The game brings different moments. You take three-nil lead in the first half, second half it’s a bit different because now Chicago is chasing the game and we have to weather the storm. I would have liked us to start the second half a little bit better, but albeit, we kept the ball out of the net and didn’t give much joy and towards the end of the game we managed to see it out. Overall, really proud and really pleased with the performance from all the players.”
On scoring off a set piece
"We talk about set pieces a lot. It’s becoming a lot more important in the game. For Hannah [Anderson] to not only get a clean sheet but score the goal against her former team, as well, I know that felt good for her. Again, really pleased for her and really pleased with the delivery and how we applied it. We want to continue to be threatening in set pieces and I think in the last three games, I think we’ve shown that. Been unfortunate as well where we have hit the back of the net and it hasn’t counted, but we will continue to put that same sort of effort and application into all set pieces.”
Orlando Pride Forward Solai Washington
Opening Statement
“We are super excited to get a win. It is great to get that result, especially on the road. Also a clean sheet is huge. Big testament to our defense; it starts at the front and works its way back. Something that we have been emphasizing on is not letting any balls into the back of our net, so it’s really good we were able to do that. After that, it’s just betting on ourselves to finish goals, which we were able to do.”
On her first professional assist
“I got the ball on the width and at that point it’s just kind of betting on myself and taking players on one-versus-one and just having confidence in myself and my teammates to finish. I played it into Jacquie [Ovalle] and she had a fantastic finish, like a back-heel kind of finish. Super grateful to have my first assist and my first start. Obviously, just a great finish from Jacquie as well.”
On her first professional start
“It was really just focusing on doing whatever I could to help the team. Doing my best to take the anxiety and the nerves out of it and just relaxing into the game. Just trusting myself and trusting my abilities in the things I’ve been working on. Just having the confidence to go out there and trust in my abilities and all that I have done. While also knowing that all of my teammates know the field are giving their 100 percent and backing me, it just gives me more confidence to go and do my thing.”
Orlando Pride Defender Hannah Anderson
Opening Statement
“I thought the game went really well. We had good possession of the ball and obviously getting those three goals was awesome. I am really proud of the team for the shutout. Just a great overall team win. “
On her first professional goal
“Obviously I know that we have great service, so my job was to just kind of find the ball and get on the end of it. Jacquie [Ovalle] had a great ball in and I kind of made a double movement to get to the back of the post and really all I was thinking was to get good contact on the ball.”
On returning to Chicago and getting the win
“It felt good. I love the girls, but I wanted to come out and get a win today. We have been really close on set pieces and I kind of take pride in set pieces myself. It felt really good for that to payoff and get the end product we wanted.”
