Orlando Pride Head Coach Seb Hines
Opening Statement
“I thought we actually deserved more, considering the dominance in the game, the passes, the chances created. Obviously, they scored in the first half, but we had really good momentum. I thought we played extremely well today both in possession and out of possession. We stuck to the gameplan, and we caused North Carolina a lot of problems at their home field. I think there is a part of us that is disappointed that we are walking away with a point, but on the road, you will take it. A well-deserved goal towards the end. We have this mentality that we never give up, we never say die and we pile the pressure on. It’s come off a set piece and Prisca [Chilufya] takes it well and gladly it falls into the back of the net.”
On Prisca Chilufya’s performance and scoring the goal
“Any player that comes into this league and into our club, there is an adjustment period. That is what she is going through now. We have to be mindful for her, making sure we put her in at the right times. I think as a forward, you always want to get that first goal out of the way. Thankfully she got that first goal today and hopefully that will continue her momentum through the rest of the season.”
On breaking down the North Carolina defense
“I think that’s the challenge of being champions and winning both the Shield and the Championship last year. We have got to find different ways and different avenues to score goals. I think we did create some really good opportunities. It comes down to fine margins. That final cross, that final pass, that final finish and executing those moments. Teams are having more numbers behind the ball. Today, North Carolina had five in the backline, two in the midfield and three in front, but their engagement line was a lot lower so it reduced the amount of space we can operate in. I thought we did really well to switch the point of attack, play down the sides, get into crossing positions. It will just take that final touch for us to get that final goal in the run of play.”
Orlando Pride Forward Prisca Chilufya
Opening statement
“It is a long-awaited goal. I feel very happy. I am very excited. I am just looking forward to moments like this when the team needs me most and to just turn up and do what you can and pick everybody’s spirit up.”
On the goal she scored
“Going in, Paul [Crichton] told me to just go in and get in the box and do what I can. When I was going to the front post, it may sound crazy, but I envisioned it. Like, what if I just go up front and maybe just jump and flick my head. Who knows, I might get a touch on the ball. I did what I was thinking and with God’s plan, it worked. I can’t believe it, but I did it.”
On how she felt when she knew she scored
“After getting the touch on the ball, I didn’t know what to do. Seeing that ball bouncing inside the net, I didn’t know what to do. I thought they might call a foul, so I was waiting. I waited for them to point at the center like it’s a goal, so I was in between celebrating and are they going to call it a goal. I really wanted to get this goal. I couldn’t figure out what to do. I was just happy, smiling with everybody and it worked.”
