Orlando Pride Head Coach Seb Hines
Opening Statement
“Similar story, really, going down one goal, a really pivotal moment in the match. But the players showed a lot of heart to come back, never failed in their attitude, their desire, their passion. They were relentless in that second half of the game. There were unfortunately a couple of calls, as well. We felt there was a moment where the ball went in, but that's kind of where we're at. We were persistent and we took our goal really well. I felt as the game went on, we created more goal scoring opportunities, but it wasn't meant to be."
On scoring after having multiple goals called off
“It's a testament to the players and their persistence to keep going. It's very easy in those moments to feel like it's not your day, but they carried on. They carried on pushing. We scored the equalizer, which was, again, a really good goal from a crossing position, well taken by Ally [Watt] and put herself in that position to score. We made some aggressive subs to try and win the game. We've just got to stay on course. This is a tough time right now, not getting a win in multiple games, but you can see that there's a real togetherness with the group. We've played some really good stuff and it'll turn around."
On starting McKinley Crone
“We felt today was an opportunity for Mac [Crone]. You know, players have been waiting no more than Mac has. Every time she's been between the sticks, she's been great for us, and so we felt that it was an opportunity to change something. And yeah, she did do extremely well tonight to say it was her home debut in the NWSL.”
Orlando Pride Goalkeeper McKinley Crone
Opening Statement
“I think it was good to end the losing streak for the team and walk out of there with a point, obviously. I think we controlled a lot of the game, so I think it's a little disappointing to not come away with three points, especially at home. The positives are that we ended the losing streak, we scored in the run of play, which is really exciting and something to look forward to next week, for sure.”
On earning her first NWSL start
“This whole week, and really every week, I try to just go into training wanting to perform at my best because for me, that's what’s going to prepare the team the best. So, the coaches told me, and I was obviously super excited and just wanted to be able to do my part in the game.”
On the importance of her recent start in the Concacaf W Champions Cup
“I think it's great to see minutes on the field. I think that it definitely was a preparation mentally because 90 minutes being locked in in our position completely is obviously really important. So, I think it was really good to just see a full 90 before tonight.”
Orlando Pride Forward Ally Watt
Opening Statement
“We just had a lot of fire and a lot of fight out there today. I’m proud of this team. We've been in a hole. We're getting out of it and we're doing it together and that's all that matters.”
On scoring after several chances
“It was just very reassuring. It's just a tying goal, so we know we have to go again. But it's very frustrating to see that we're getting that close and it's just fine margins. But at the same time, we grow in confidence, so that's always encouraging. That's probably the best form we’ve looked like in a little bit. So, I think that's just going to carry us forward in the next, however many games we have in the Concacaf Champions Cup.”
On playing as the center forward instead of on the wing
“It's just definitely a little bit of an adjustment. I had to sit down with the coaching staff and just be like, ‘Okay, I'm a little rusty on my nine press so let's figure this out.’ Obviously, the white elephant in the room is that we don't have Barbra [Banda] for the season, so those are some very big shoes to fill, but I'm willing to adapt to step into any position we need for this team. That's something I always know I need to do here, and I think everyone else here knows that. It's going to take everyone and just whoever's up top is and knows that we need to fill some big shoes and we're ready to just do the best we can.”
