Orlando Pride Head Coach Seb Hines
Overall thoughts on the match
“Obviously disappointed with the result. We had a game plan, we stuck to the game plan in moments but didn’t really execute in terms of creating too many opportunities in the attacking third. I don’t think there was a lot between ourselves and Kansas [City] either. We had a lot of corners, lots of shots, but didn’t really make the keeper work. It’s another moment where they’ve capitalized on us giving the ball away and it changed the whole game.”
On the message to the team after the first goal was conceded
“I mean, it's pretty self-explanatory. We give the ball in a really risky position and they won it and scored. You never want to give teams hope, give them an opportunity to win the game. I thought we did that. I thought, up until that moment, we're pretty good. We're pretty, I don't want to say comfortable, but [the game was] in our own hands. And it's another moment that is dictated the result of the game.”
On how the team capitalizes on opportunities like set pieces and corners
“I mean, scoring them. That always helps. I don't think we weren't threatening, then I think we got contact on a couple. I think we hit the post, the bar. I think we created a lot of chaos in [those] moments and it's just getting a toe on it at the end, and you could deflect in on something. But I think we were threatening, and I think we had a lot of opportunities, but you have to take them opportunities by putting the ball in the back of the net.”
Orlando Pride Defender Megan Montefusco
On what the team’s approach was to this game
“We came in ready to win this game. We feel like we've been building for a while and we're almost there. You could see that the whole first half, I felt like, like you said, we were in control. And there was just fine margins. If you look at the stats of the game, it was in our favor. We had a lot of possession and it felt like we were in control. In this league, it's all about fine margins, little details. And unfortunately we had some errors.”
On the progression of the younger defenders from her veteran perspective
“I think it's been great. They haven't had these minutes, these big game minutes. [We] started out with Portland, getting them that experience, I think is huge in this league. Early on, unfortunately, we've had to take some losses. But we're learning and growing. And you can see, you know, [Emily] Madril especially is having a great game out there lately and she's grown into this league already. I'm excited to see what happens in these next couple games. Like I said, we're building something, and it's going to take time, but I think we're really close. And the other thing with that is, we have to build these relationships, too. And that's taking time as well. I haven't played next to Caitlin [Cosme], Em [Madril] just came in at right back. So we're working through some things right now and figuring out what fits. But it's just going to take a minute and and we're learning and growing together as a group.”
On the frustration of losing despite having an improved team performance
“It's been really tough, we're not going to lie. We are going through it right now and we don't feel like we should be losing these games. We put our heart and soul out in the field and we're prepared, we're ready to go and those things happen. We're sick of it at this point, we are so ready to get a win, and what better way to do that then in San Diego away [next week]?”
Orlando Pride Defender Emily Madril
Overall thoughts on the game
“I think KC is a good team. I think we played pretty well, they had a couple chances in the beginning, but I think we held on to the 0-0 at halftime. Then, just one mistake and gave them a couple more chances after that. If we could just keep our composure throughout the whole game, I think we could put a couple of goals in, but I think that one goal just kind of put us out a little bit. But I think, overall, we were right there with them the whole game and could have had a couple goals. We just need to keep going, keep going the whole 90 minutes and not give them any easy chances or anything like that.”
On playing multiple positions on the field
“Yeah, I like both positions equally. I like center back because I can see the whole field and can control the build-up a little bit. But I do love right back because I can get into the attack and, you know, try to make an impact in the attacking third. But I'm comfortable at both positions. I like both positions a lot.”
On the last piece the offense needs in the final third
“We do a good job of getting it to the attacking third, I think once we get there, we can be a little bit more patient and try to bring the team down a little bit. If we get up to the into the attacking third and all their numbers are back, then it's about bringing the ball back to our backline and getting them out of the attacking third and then exploiting this space that they leave. I also think we have our chances in the game. I mean, Messi [Bright] had a header off of the crossbar. So, we do have our chances, we're right there, it’s just about putting it our way.”
