Orlando City SC Head Coach Oscar Pareja
Opening statement
“Well, first, I would like to recognize the effort of the players today for that incredible first half that we had and the tactical discipline that they kept in the second half when we needed to. Our energy to push and press and start getting lower for the simple reason that we played two days ago and we played hard in the last game in the [Lamar Hunt] U.S. Open Cup. So, all of that let us feel so proud about the effort, the performance and beating a good rival, as well. I consider Portland a very good team and a very good team that took [two] shots on our goal. And that means a lot to us. So, a great three points, and we're ready to move on because we have another game in the middle of the week. But today is not that. We needed to win, but we needed to have that performance that the players had in the first half.”
On the team's performance across the two halves
“I may exaggerate and say that this is one of the best performances in the first half that we have had. It's true that the second half was not similar, we started losing territory. Portland had the ball and the opportunities while they had possession and the initiative, we couldn't get out from there. It was hard to keep the ball longer. It was hard for us to find our connections that we found in the first half, and it was hard to retain the ball, especially in the last 10-15 minutes. Our sequence was shorter, but again, the way the team defended was super and it let us have the feeling of solidness that we needed. So again, I'm proud of the boys, they deserve all the credit. We believed the last two days, bouncing back from that Open Cup game and how they bounced back and supported each other. It was a great night.”
On tying the Club record of 12 games unbeaten in MLS regular season
“Apart from the talent and the capacity that our players have to have these performances and win games and keep our team in that mode, is that they trust us. I think that's a big reason. The tactical discipline that we have had in the last two or three games has been first-class. And when you sense that the team believes in the idea and you see it on the field, then you have a big chance to win games. But you have to have that quality of the players and also that mentality that they are developing within. You guys follow them, and you see that this group, they love each other, and I have the fortune to coach them. We will keep pushing.”
Orlando City SC Forward Duncan McGuire
Opening statement
“It was a tough game. Portland obviously tested us in the second half a lot, but I think we responded well and did a good job to keep them without a goal. I'm glad we got the three points.”
On his goal and celebration with Alex Freeman
“Obviously, glad to finally do a celebration that [Alex] Freeman and I planned. We have one planned every time one of us scores so just glad. Anytime you get to celebrate a goal, it's a good time. It means a little more when you are the one who scores it. It was a great ball from Eduard [Atuesta]; I don't think the defense expected it. He always told me he was going to look for me, so I was anticipating the ball, and he played an incredible ball, so I owe him dinner for that beautiful ball."
On the challenges Portland’s defense posed
“Obviously with the five back I feel like they did a good job getting numbers behind the ball. But I feel like we had our chances too, when we got the ball behind their infield four to go quickly. I think they did a good job to get numbers behind the ball. I think we had a few opportunities in the first half that we could have capitalized on, myself included. I think they did a good job to get numbers behind the ball, but obviously at the end of the day we have three points and that's all that matters.”
Orlando City SC Midfielder Eduard Atuesta
Opening statement
“Very happy because it was a very difficult game. Of course, we wanted to win after last Wednesday. Obviously, we lost and mentally it is not easy when you get eliminated from a tournament. But it was good that we won today, to keep going in the MLS and be high in the table. We want to be there.”
On the team’s current run of form
“We’re very ambitious. From the start, our objective has been clear. Last year, we reached the Conference Final. I’d be lying to you if I said our goal was to only reach the Conference Final because we want more. Last year, I had the opportunity to win a title with LAFC in my return to the league and I feel very happy to have arrived at a place where they have the same goals as me, which is to be better every day and win titles. So, we don’t want to be an Orlando side that only entertains in the league; we want everyone to talk about how Orlando plays and how Orlando wins every game and how coming here to play is a torture each time for any team.”
On how he feels coming back from injury and playing a full match
“Very tired, my friend. Because it is not the same, just training and running without the rhythm of the game. Even more difficult here in Orlando, because of the humidity. It’s always difficult, even for us that live here. But, very happy for those 90 minutes after a long period without games. With a win, and an assist, and helping the team win, very happy and it’s a very good night for me.”
