Orlando City SC Head Coach Oscar Pareja
Opening Statement
“Overall, it was a rocky game for both teams. Our second half was much better and, at the end, we could have won it and we have that sensation [of winning]. The other game, that is the PKs, is obviously frustration but it’s part of this game. It’s something that I want to stick with, and the players have to have the [positivity] and courage that we always have to go and finish our game at home [next week]. We’re ready for all of our fans to be there [Inter&Co Stadium] to finish this game at home. It will be fine.”
On the chances offensively
"Obviously, we wanted to be more offensive and create more situations to score, but these games in playoffs are like that. It was tight, and the tension of the game was all the time for both teams, and I didn't see that the game, at least during any minute, was not very tight for all of us. We created some sequencing, and we created some place where we had the confidence and then we arrived in the back, but it was not a game that we had that much volume.”
On how Charlotte changed since Game One
“It’s just a different game. I think it is normal [for them to change] with them playing at home in their field. Obviously, we all know that they have the urgency that this was a must win game, and we knew they were going to come more aggressive. The fight was that we sustained that pressure, but we couldn't hurt them when we had the ball and that is probably what we missed today, but the game plan for us was the same. It's just that the games are not the same, especially in these playoffs."
Orlando City SC Defender Rodrigo Schlegel
Opening Statement
“Obviously, not the result that we wanted tonight, and a difficult way to have the final, where we are little bit angry in the result, because we felt like we played a really good game. We were driving the game at times, but we weren't able to score that goal, and they were able to take the victory and penalties. So certainly, something to discuss this week. We are heated and focusing on Saturday now.”
On turning the focus to a must win game on Saturday
"There's no time for the frustration, right? We have to turn around and turn the page already. Start getting into training and really focus on getting ourselves ready for Saturday. We have to come back together and really get set.”
On defending the forwards of Charlotte
“I think there are two very distinct forwards. I think [Patrick] Agyemang has a strong presence. He's very strong. He's very physical in the area, and he creates a lot of problems that way. At the same time, we have to be ready to face and mark whichever players they put in their starting 11.”
