Orlando Pride Head Coach Seb Hines
Opening Statement
“Really pleased and really happy. The parity within the league, it is so difficult to come away with three points away from home, so I am super proud of the players and the way they showed their character today. I thought we did a really good job of dictating play and passing the ball in certain moments. The goal was phenomenal. I thought Summer Yates, unfortunately she got injured, but I thought she was outstanding today and set a tone. That is just one player, but I thought there were some really good performances tonight. Then, towards the end when a team is trying to get back in the game, we showed character. New players coming in, Oihane making her debut today and Carson [Pickett] coming back as well is important. Overall, really pleased with the togetherness and to come away with three points.”
On managing the game and the tempo
“It took us some time. They adapted and played five in the back which kind of caught us off guard. It is something that we have to be mindful of is teams adapting to us. We had to kind of change our build up shape within that. Once we made that adjustment, I thought we looked after the ball, switched the point of attack and looked more threatening in moments. That has been a real focal point coming into this game is how we can get more passes, value the ball and create goal scoring opportunities.”
On the defensive performance after Seattle made their substitutions
“It is never perfect. Sometimes you misplace a press and they were very direct getting it up in the first half to [Jordyn] Huitema and playing off her. Similar in the second half. At time, we did well to manage it. I thought [Kylie Strom] and [Emily Sams] looked seamless back there and then Anna [Moorhouse] comes up with a massive save and it could have really changed the game. Everyone plays a role in the defending. Sometimes when we have areas, we have players to support and Anna supported us and managed to keep that clean sheet.”
Orlando Pride Midfielder Angelina
Opening Statement
“It was a hard game and I think we took a little bit to get into the game, but after the goal we did really well. We kept the ball a little bit more and we got into our game after that.”
On the message Seb Hines gave her before coming into the match
“Well, before halftime, it was just instructions for set pieces because there was not a lot that we could talk about in that moment, but at halftime we got everything sorted out.”
On getting three points at Seattle
“It means a lot. It is always good to have three points on the road. We know how difficult it is with the long flight to get here and playing on turf. We had all those things and we did really well to get those three points tonight.”
On Oihane making her debut
“It was amazing. I know she is probably already feeling at home, that is a special thing that this team has and we make everyone feel welcome. Really happy to see her make her debut and hope to see her a lot more on the field because she is a great player.”
Orlando Pride Midfielder Ally Lemos
Opening Statement
“Getting three points is all that matters right now. It doesn't matter how it happens. Super proud of this team and coming to Seattle, cross country and getting the three points and playing on turf, it is hard situation, but we got it done tonight.”
On getting the start
“For me, I have been waiting, and I have been working so hard for this all preseason and I have been ready. To get the opportunity, it was just kind like, OK, I am ready, and I have prepared for this. I just want to go out there and do my best and hopefully bring a victory for us and get the three points.”
On playing the full 90 minutes
“Honestly, I feel pretty good. The three points are like a cherry on top. Of course I am going to feel good. Body wise, I feel great. It feels really good to get a full 90 [minutes] in.”
On Oihane making her NWSL debut
“I am always happy for people when they get their debut, especially Oihane because she is so sweet and such a great person. Seeing her get that tonight was so fulfilling. She has earned it and so it was really exciting. I am so happy for her.”
