Orlando City SC Head Coach Oscar Pareja
Opening Statement
“We are very happy to advance in the Cup. We really appreciate the fact that we are representing our Club in such a bold and prestigious tournament that we respect. Regarding the game, I think scoring today was so healthy for us. It was the first objective to try and keep the pace that we have defensively on being solid but at the same time moving on to that team that is scoring again. We are happy in that part. In between the boxes, I thought we played a good game. We saw the youngsters play and some of the other players that were not regularly in the lineup, it was very complete. It was a very complete game for all of us. We are excited now to put our minds to the next one against New England at home. Today, it was a game that we needed, what happened today here in Tampa.”
On the performance of Gustavo Caraballo
“Congratulations to Gustavo [Caraballo] and the coaches in the academy and the program that we have. I think they have done a tremendous job on developing these kids and putting them on the first team for us is a privilege. Not just that, but you see the performances in a kid that is so young still. I think he is representing many, many areas and many things from our Club.”
On being patient in the attack to start the match
“It is natural that we have some positions in the first part of the game. The intensity from both teams was there. We needed to be patient to open the first goal or to get that first goal. We scored at the right time. I think in that moment we pushed the pedal, and the other two goals came after. If there is one thing that I think changes it is that we moved the ball faster and the dynamics that boys had to connect, that helped us break down the back with more numbers and with more options to score.”
Orlando City SC Midfielder Gustavo Caraballo
Opening Statement
“I am just super happy I was able to get those two goals to help the team go on to the next round. It was a great way to start off the [U.S.] Open Cup and I am just happy I was able to help.”
On what it meant to score his goal in front of the traveling supporters
“It is amazing. I am just happy I was able to do it for all the fans that traveled, for the fans that couldn’t come, for my family and for the team most importantly. Help them get that victory and go on to the next round.”
On scoring a brace and becoming the youngest Lion to score a goal in a match
“It means a lot. I was able to rise to the opportunity that the coaching staff and my team gave me. I was able to score in front of all of the fans that came a long way to see us play and see us get that very important win to send us off to the next round.”
