Orlando City SC Head Coach Oscar Pareja
Opening Statement
“It was very important to add three points tonight. The result as well was a very good performance, and it gives confidence to the players. We felt that everyone is raising their level and that makes us collectively a stronger team. There is a lot of work to do still but tonight was that one game where we must add three points and play well so we can raise our confidence. Regarding the game, I thought we were the team that had the best chances all of the time and we imposed the game the way we wanted. I think collectively from the first minute we had the best options. Playing against a very tough team, a tough rival. But we did create things as well. The youngsters joined with a bunch of good things. [Javier] Otero had a very positive performance, coming from the academy. A very good night for us and thanks to all the fans that supported us today. It was great to see.”
On having all three Designated Players score in the same match for the first time in Club history
“Well, it is great news. I think data confirms that the commitment that they have so far has been elevated and they understand that in this league, they have called what they have been called for the reason and it's not a secret and if we want to dream for the final and biggest price, we need to elevate and then they showed it today and I’m really happy, but I have to complement as well the way they have been working is a different level too, so we're happy for them.”
On the late goal from D.C. United to erase the clean sheet
“And that is a good question – it is a strange order, but after all those things that happened tonight and were positive for us and that give us reasons to be happy and celebrate, when we can see that goal is the play was big too for me. And because we need to alleviate the way we're defending. That's going to make us get results, and the way the strikers and the way the team is playing on forward is going to make us win trophies but um but definitely I told about that Michael- that he will be uh to have the clean sheet tonight. Well, there is a bunch of things that that we need to get better at.”
Orlando City SC Forward Marco Pašalić
Opening Statement
“My thought on the game is that we played incredible today. The team spirit was there from the first minute. We fought, we played together, we played today like a team and congratulations to my team. To my goal, it's like a bonus, like a plus when you play so good together then these goals come. Before I came, I said my left foot can be a weapon, and today it was a weapon.”
On what led to his goal tonight
“When I saw that the ball came to Tincho [Martín Ojeda], I think it was a good sign for me to run into space. I know he [Martín Ojeda] is an incredible footballer with the ball at the feet, and I know it’s a good chance to come to the ball when it is near the goal and with Luis Muriel, ‘Lucho’ also in the front. I think we have an incredible forward team, and also the defense today. When I saw ‘Ticho’ on the ball I run into space, and today I get many balls from him, and I don’t know, in football you feel it, I get the ball, and the rest is history.”
On if exploiting D.C. United’s high defensive line was a focus
“Yeah, I think so. We train the whole week, every practice. The high line, high defensive line, low defensive line, but I think the key to success today was that we played like a team, and the chances came our way. And we trained the whole week. Every week we prepare for the opponent, and I can say today that we did everything right. And yeah, like against New York Red Bulls, it was also a high defensive line, and it was good that we can connect these two weeks of training because they [D.C. United] also play a high defensive line. And then we have two weeks of good training. And I think today was really successful, yes.”
Orlando City SC Goalkeeper Javier Otero
Opening Statement
“Just a very good game. We were really strong today. The team was attacking well, we were defending well as well. Just a great day out there for us.”
On his mentality going into his first start
“Yeah, I think every game as a goalkeeper, you have to prepare for it as if you were going to get the start. This week was no different than any other, just focused mentally and ready to play the game and training as I do every single week.”
On the advice he received from goalkeeper Pedro Gallese
“Yeah, well, you know, before Pedro left, we had talked a little bit. He gave me some details before he took off on national team duty, knowing that this game was coming up. He's a fantastic teammate and whenever any of us need help and get ready for a game, he's always there.”
