Orlando City Interim Head Coach Martín Perelman
On the result
“[V]ery happy for everyone here at the club. I think this was a really good victory against a very difficult opponent. Highlight the effort off our players and highlight the support of our people, today they brought an amazing energy to the stadium, they filled the stadium. It was a really good night, we really enjoyed it.”
On the team’s performance
“We always try to adjust. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t. I think at the end of the day it is the players. We, coaches, can do many tactics, but at the end of the day, the protagonists are the players, and I think our players today performed really well. They put in a huge effort with and without the ball, and I think that is the reason, if I had to find one. We faced a really good opponent that we respect very much, and it was a really tough game. I’m happy we could win it.”
On the team’s depth
“I mean it’s a really good point what you highlight because we give a lot of importance to all of the roster. For us, one of the most important things during this training period was to put every single player for Orlando City on the same level. And we know and we are aware that it is very, very, very important that everyone is ready. And I think not only today, but since a while, I think players that are coming in are doing really well. Today, as you mention, [Tyrese] Spicer was able to score, but as well, Adri [Marín] who came from the bench, he did an amazing job. Bernardo did really well when went in in San Jose and today he did it really well from the beginning, and Adri [Marín] coming from the bench. Wilder [Cartagena] came in really well. Harvey [Sarajian], I mean everyone. I don’t want to miss anyone. So, I think at the end of the day, in general, but in this league, I think especially in this league, it’s very important, every single player and we are happy everyone here is performing and is at disposal."
Orlando City Forward Antoine Griezmann (Interpreted from Spanish)
On the result
“Very tired and very happy with the win today. What stands out to me is the effort from the entire group from the first minute to the last. We played a very good team today, and they caused us problems at times, especially with their strong defense. But I’m very happy with the goal from Justin [Ellis] and Tyrese [Spicer] and very happy with the win.”
On his first official match at Inter.co Stadium
“Yeah, it was great. The atmosphere was fantastic. That’s why I spoke yesterday about energy. We need that energy during the difficult moments in a game, and it was amazing for us today. It was a good game. We showed that we’re a strong team, and I think that’s what the fans want to see, a strong team that wins games.”
Orlando City SC Forward Tyrese Spicer
Opening Statement
“First, I’d like to thank God. I also want to give a big shoutout to the fans. Honestly, the turnout today was incredible. I loved the energy and passion from the fans, and that showed on the field. I thought it was a really strong performance from the team, solid from the first whistle to the last. I also want to thank my teammates for all the courage and the work behind the scenes that people don’t see. We drill it over and over again, doing the same things repeatedly to produce a performance like that tonight.”
On his goal
“It was a crazy feeling after the goal. I know Justin [Ellis] likes to dribble, so I thought I’d give him the ball and run into space. I knew he was going to cut inside, and I was just waiting for it. I was yelling his name as loud as I could, telling him to give it to me. As soon as I got the ball, I knew I had to score. After that, it was just muscle memory.”
On Justin Ellis and his growth throughout the season
“I think he’s matured a lot in a short amount of time, and I think that comes from his confidence. He has a lot of confidence in himself and trusts his ability. Once you have that mindset, the sky is the limit. I think he can go to Europe easily. He just needs to stay humble and keep working.”
