Orlando Pride Head Coach Seb Hines
Opening Statement
“A really good performance from start to finish. It’s a unique situation playing a team that we only just played last week, trying to figure out if Seattle was going to change anything or change any personnel. I thought we managed it really well in all phases of play. Credit to the players, as they have worked so hard to get to this point and have faced so many challenges along this journey into the postseason. A big objective of ours was to host a playoff game and finish in a top-four spot and really value that top-four spot. Everyone plays a part. From the players, the staff and the crowd, it was phenomenal tonight. Everyone got behind the team and it took everyone, it took a village to get three points tonight. We scored some really good goals. The first one was brilliant build-up play and Marta just doing Marta things in the 90-plus minute. Then handing the ball over to Luana optimizes Marta as an individual. She never puts herself above the team and gave the ball to Luana to have her moment. It was a really inspiring moment for the team and everyone who is a part of this Club.”
On the fans’ support tonight
“It’s big time. Credit to the front office for getting so many fans here and supporting the team. We know that there was a lot going on in Orlando tonight, and those are some of the challenges that we face, but the fans who showed up tonight really played a part in this performance, and it helps. I’ve been in those moments when it’s backs against the wall and the opponent is going long constantly and you’re having to head it out and clear it, and the players really showed up in those moments. That really epitomizes this team and this culture, and we’ve been through those moments a lot last year, where we’re fighting to the final whistle to hold on to the win. I can’t say enough to everyone, and especially to the players, for holding on to the win and managing to see the game out.”
On Marta’s performance at the end of the game
“Like you said, actions speak louder than words, and yeah, Marta could have kicked it away, and then we squeeze up and try to defend a throw-in or another ball that gets kicked long into our box. But to carry it from the distance that she did, and ultimately win a penalty as well, that’s who she is, and that’s why she’s arguably the greatest player in the world. To do that in the 95th minute, when we were hanging on toward the end, she wants to show that she’s still got it and is trying to show that she is the player she was years ago. To have that player who can carry the ball, lead and show those sorts of actions is really impressive. And I’ve said this multiple times, we’re just really pleased that she’s here representing the Club.”
Orlando Pride Midfielder Marta
Opening Statement
“A hard game. But we expected that. We played [Seattle Reign FC] last week, but it was a completely different game tonight. It was kill or die. We prefer to keep going and stay alive. We followed the plan, and we played based on what they gave us. It was a good fight from beginning to end. It’s always nice to play games like that. And of course, I'm happy that we did the job. Now I just want to think about rest and getting ready for the next game.”
On her mindset in the play that led to the late penalty
“It’s simple. I hate to kick the ball to nobody. I like to have the ball with me. I prefer to hold the ball. Sometimes, we just need to find a way to keep the ball and be strong. At that time, it was more mental than physical. I’ve done this many times in my career, so it was nothing I haven’t done before. It’s nice to show that I can still do that. I don’t know if people believe or think I can still do stuff like that, so maybe they gave me space and let me stay in situations like that. I’m going to keep improving and try to help my team.”
On belief in the team
“We have talked so much about this season and compared it to last season. Of course, we don’t do the same things we did last year, but we have the same players and the same mentality. We still work so hard and still believe. It seems like most people outside don’t believe in the Pride, but the Pride are still the champions. There needs to be a little bit more respect for that. We want to play for the people who come here and support this team every single game. We want to play for our families, friends and our amazing staff that we have here in this club, and, of course, for ourselves. It seems like it’s only these people who believe in us and still believe that we can do it again. At the same time, I like it when I see people talk so much [trash] about our team and don’t give us credit. It makes me feel good when I go and prove them completely wrong. I think we proved that tonight.”
Midfielder Haley McCutcheon
Opening Statement
“I’m just happy. I mean, what a performance from the whole group from start to finish. I think we were just locked in, and to have that late penalty, to have Luana get that moment, it’s just a dream come true for us, so we’re excited.”
On consistently scoring goals in playoff matches
“I don’t know. I think I just took an extra moment to realize my role on this team. I think that we all stepped up tonight, and I think that we all step up in the big moments. But especially for me, I’ve just tried to take on that responsibility, so I think playoff McCutcheon is back and in full effect. And then on that play, just being opportunistic in the box, since we played them last, we talked about taking more risks and just shooting it on the first-time bounce, and good things happen.”
On the team’s fighting mentality
“I love when people count us out. I feel like the only people who matter are the people in that locker room and the people who are with us every single day, working to achieve the goals we set out to achieve. So while I try not to listen to the noise, I love it, because all three announcers were counting us out? Great. Look at what we did tonight. I think that adds fuel to our fire, and we’re a group of underdogs, and we like it that way.”
