Orlando City Interim Head Coach Martín Perelman
Opening Statement
“We were close, close to a win, which is what we always want when we play, but especially at home. I think the guys gave a huge effort. We were able to play the game we wanted for most of the match. There were periods when we felt a little fatigued, which I think is normal since we played just 48 hours ago. This is a quick turnaround. We have another game that is really important to us. It’s the Open Cup in 48 hours. From now on, it’s just about recovering as fast as we can and as well as we can, then facing the Open Cup because we’re really excited about the possibility of moving forward in the competition.”
On late-game execution
“I think our team is growing. We are in a transitional process. In that process, we have been able to improve many things and, if this is one more, we will fix it. This is a league where it’s characteristic to have a lot happen at the end of games, but again, I think the team is in a positive process, growing and developing. I always try to highlight the effort of the players.”
On adjustments heading into Tuesday’s match
“The first thing is recovery, to be honest. We will work with the players and plan the game. We face the same opponent, but it’s going to be a different competition. Behaviors have to be adjusted to that context. We will be in good shape, ready for the competition and ready to fight.”
Orlando City SC Forward Iván Angulo (Interpreted)
Opening Statement
“We’re left with a bad taste because we finished with a tie. We put in a lot of work in all phases of the game to come away with a victory tonight, but it wasn’t to be. It was a good, very competitive game between the two sides.”
On his goal contribution
“It’s a play that we have really trained and it has worked well. When Martín [Ojeda] or Justin [Ellis] get the ball, I run into space, try to find that space, then turn and try to find a teammate on the other side of the field. I’m very happy it worked because we’ve practiced it a lot.”
On his playmaking this year
“I’m more relaxed this year. Last year, the only thing I was thinking about was trying to score. This year, I’m more focused on finding a teammate in a better position. It doesn’t matter to me if I’m the one scoring as long as the team gets the result. That’s what I’m focusing on this year, and it’s what has really been helping me.”
Orlando City SC Forward Marco Pašalić
Opening Statement
“I would say we deserved the win. It’s a better feeling to win at home, we would be happier, but there’s no time to be sad. We didn’t lose, it’s a tight game, it’s a draw. In two days, we play the same opponent. We have to learn from our mistakes, build on what we did well and give the fans and the club a good game on Tuesday.”
On his physical condition
“I would say it’s the most beautiful feeling to be back on the pitch and playing, because as a footballer, you love the game more than anything. When you are out for a month, you cannot help the team, and I’m even happier the team got some wins during that time. It’s the best feeling to be back on the pitch and help the team again. It’s not for 90 minutes, and I’m a bit sad about that, but that’s the plan because I missed nearly five weeks. We have a plan and I will do my best to help the team and give the fans the best version of me they can expect, like last season. I will continue like this. The most important thing is to stay healthy and, like I said, it’s a good feeling to be back."
On not scoring a second goal
“I mean, we started the first half well. I think you all share that opinion. We had control of the game and scored a nice goal with good combination play. Then we suffered in the last 10 to 20 minutes. We didn’t manage it as we usually do through the full match, because you play 90 minutes plus. You have to continue to play as a whole team. I know the players are getting tired, myself included around the 60th minute, so I understand. It’s hot outside, we play every three days and it’s important to stay focused and find the right balance in those final minutes. Maybe it’s sometimes better to protect a 1-0 lead than push for another goal. There are some issues with the balance, but I understand because everyone wants to score again and make it 2-0 or 2-1.”
