Orlando Pride Head Coach Seb Hines
Opening Statement
“Brilliant. They were brilliant from start to finish. We started the game really well, created two great opportunities within the first two minutes. You could see the hunger within the team, you could see the commitment and [it was] fully deserved, I think we were phenomenal today.”
On setting the tone for the playoffs early
“Yeah, we always talk about setting a tone early. And so, you know, having that, that fear factor when, when a team comes to our environment, and, you know, we always want to make it difficult for them, so that first 5-10 minutes is really important to set a tone. You could hear the crowd as well. You know, they were brilliant tonight, you know, really pushing the players from start to finish. And so, yeah, we wanted to make it difficult for Chicago [Red Stars]. We wanted to start the game quickly. And I was really pleased that we managed to get, you know, a couple of goals in the first half. And yeah, it was, it was great to see from, you know, how side as well. You know, fans love goals. And you know, we managed to give the fans goals tonight.”
On the importance of scoring a third goal just before halftime
"I think you know that 2-0 is always a dangerous scoreline, especially when you’re going into halftime, and the next goal is really important. So, to go in at halftime with it 3-0, it kind of put us at ease a little bit. And then starting the second half aggressive and creating opportunities to score – and we fully deserved the penalty as well which Barbra [Banda] won and we classified that as an assist. Any time a player gets a penalty we classify that as an assist, so Barbra contributed to that also and Marta put it away as she’s done all season. So, I’m really pleased with the four goals and how we scored the four goals.”
Orlando Pride Forward Barbra Banda
Opening Statement
“Thank you. I think it was a great game for us. Having the first game at home, we really worked so hard for it because the first game is always so important for us and it is a game that determines how far we will go in these playoffs. So, I am very happy that we’ve won the game at home, playing in front of our fans, so it was great for us.”
On the personal importance of scoring in this game
“I always say that not all days are numbers. I might miss and have games without scoring, but whenever I have an opportunity and a chance I have to utilize it wisely and it was my day today and it all started from training. We had great trainings and we’ve prepared for this playoff so well.”
On tonight’s performance setting the tone for the future
“Our coach [Seb Hines] is always telling us that champions always win in the dressing room, so the morale with this team was so high even before the game. We set the tone high because we wanted to win this game, and it was important for us to win. We are looking forward to the next game.”
Orlando Pride Midfielder Haley McCutcheon
Opening Statement
“I think we’re finding form at the perfect time. Getting Barbara [Banda] going is massive for us and yeah, we are just firing all cylinders and can’t be more excited to make history again.”
On the importance of her goal in setting the tone for the game
“Yeah, it’s super important. I think we started on the front foot, we almost had one from kick off, so yeah, we just put the pressure on going forward. I was happy to be the one to score. I honestly thought I was offside, so I didn’t really celebrate, but I’m happy it was onside and it got the team going from there.”
On the importance of fun within the team’s morale
“Yeah, I definitely think in the second half I was laughing. We had so many shots on target, and I think going up and having goals is so important for that, just to be able to kind of relax, not take our foot off the gas but enjoy playing and being together as this group. I think that’s definitely what’s driving us forward: we don’t want this year to end. This group is so special, and we know that it’s not going to be exactly the same next year, it never is, so yeah that’s what’s driving us."
