Orlando Pride (0-4-0, 0 points) at San Diego Wave (3-1-0, 9 points)
When: Sunday, 10 p.m.
Where: Snapdragon Stadium, San Diego
TV: CBS Sports Network
Hear from Orlando Pride head coach Seb Hines and defender Caitlin Cosme following Thursday's training session from Orlando Health Training Ground at Sylvan Lake Park:
Pride head coach Seb Hines
On what he expects from San Diego
Another competitive game. Their form at home is good. It's an opportunity to win another game of football for us. It's going to be a difficult game, they have some good players, but, this league now, anyone can win on any day. So we're hoping to go there and put a really good team performance out there and hopefully come away with three points.
On positive takeaways from the Kansas City match
It was a good performance. Obviously the result doesn't dictate that but I think there was a lot of positives. I think there's areas that we can improve on, in possession, trying to manipulate the opponent a little bit more. There's some key details that didn't really define our identity that we spoke about after the game: the intensity of our defending in our pressing in the critical moments, giving plays a little bit too much respect. But we created opportunities, we hit the bar off a set piece and, you know, a little moment like that where it goes in can change the result of the game. So, again, we're still building, we're still getting better each game, we just need to start getting results and points on the table now.
On if being familiar with many San Diego players helps in game planning
I can talk about their personalities, as well. Yes, there has been quite a few that have been here at the Pride and are now at San Diego. But again, it's 11 players versus 11 players and if you win your individual battles all around the field, you have a good chance of winning the game. That’s the message that we have to present to the players. You win with your individual battles and the outcome can be what we want it all to be. We've been there, we've been to San Diego and come away with three points previously, so we know what it takes to win a game of football there, in front of a hostile crowd. With those experiences, it can help us go out there this weekend and win a game.
On how he has helped keep the team mentally focused
It's just reinforcing the message, reinforcing the positives. Again, it's fine margins. The Kansas game and previous games have been defined by fine margins. But, again, we hold our own destiny, we hold our own outcome in games, and that's where we have to be better. In those moments when we've got momentum and we’re putting the emphasis on the opponent is, now can we capitalize? Can we start getting goals in the moments? If we get the brighter side of that, those moments, then I think we put ourselves in a really good position to win a game. So again, it's just reinforcing the message, reinforcing positivity to the players. They're doing the right things. And if we keep doing that, we'll win the game.
Orlando Pride defender Caitlin Cosme
On what the team expects from San Diego
San Diego is a great team, look at the caliber of players they have. We're all really prepared, we've been watching a lot of film. It's going to be a great challenge. You know, Snapdragon seems like an intimidating place but I think that all of us are pretty focused on our job and what we have to do to win.
On playing at Snapdragon Stadium
Just staying focused on Orlando Pride; you have to block out all the noise. It's definitely a tough, hostile environment. They have a lot of passionate fans, which is awesome for the game. But I think mostly just preparing for what we need to do and staying in that moment.
On the group’s mentality going into the match
I think we're really prepared to bounce back. And I think we all get really antsy, especially leading up to games, we just want to get back out there and clean up on some of the mistakes that we had made last game. But I think everyone's really excited and ready to move forward.
On how previous matchups against dynamic attackers helps the team prepare
It just gives you exposure. I think the more exposure you have to the world's best players only helps you. Every game is different. They are [all] totally different players, but are super dangerous and super powerful. So, again, I think it's just focusing on their strengths and trying to try to minimize what they're trying to do and sticking together as a backline and as a team defensively.
On how Megan Montefusco’s veteran presence has helped her
Oh, so much. Me and Megan are always in constant communication. Having her experience out there helps us all out a lot. She's gone up against these teams, against these players, for years. So I think it's more comforting. But you know, she had a great game, and we're happy to have her there.
