💬 Emily Sams: "It’s so special to be a part of" after advancing to NWSL Championship

Orlando Pride Head Coach Seb Hines

Opening Statement

“It's great. Take a deep breath now, but it's great. You put all the hard work and effort into it, obviously, in the regular season, a ‘26-game group stage’ to then get into a three-game tournament. So, we've done two of it, and there's one more to go. Obviously, the spirits are really high right now, and we're ready to go on Saturday.”

On if the Kansas City Current surprised them with how they played

“No, they sat back, waited for transition moments and you know they're very good at it. They've built that in the second half of the season, get their threatening players running in behind but I thought in moments we were really good. The first goal was brilliant. Playing through the middle to then get out wide. Ally Watt dribbling and driving, great cross, and [Haley] McCutchen scores a goal. She's two and two right now so it's not bad for an older midfielder. What an effort from the players. I can't speak highly enough of them. They've put so much work and effort, and they really wanted this tonight in front of our home fans and their hunger and desire. [Marta’s] goal was incredible, like it is so incredible. We're just, we're just pleased we're on that flight to Kansas.”

On Marta’s goal

“It’s up there. I can just remember the moment where she’s just chopping and chopping again and another chop and then passing it into the goal. There are not many players that can do that and she’s worked so hard for this point. It’s just incredible to see that continued class and quality all this year.”

Orlando Pride Forward Barbra Banda

Opening Statement

“It’s amazing and I think we deserve it as a team. We really worked so hard for it. Our mind starting from training, we’ve been looking to go to the finals. (inaudible) I’m so excited and happy about it.”

On what she accomplished in her first NWSL season

“It has been an amazing season for me. Winning the Shield with the team and going to the finals in the playoffs. I’ve come at a good time. I’ve contributed to the team so I’m happy for that and hoping to continue next season.”

On carrying over success from regular season

“It’s not easy, but the determination of the team, being hard working and the relationship that we have as a team has really taken us through all this. We’ve been committed and we always want to win. I think it’s good when the team is in good shape, good condition and have the spirit of winning. At the end of the day, these are the results that we are getting.”

Orlando Pride Defender Emily Sams

Opening Statement

“So excited. I was close to tears out there on the field. Just the fact that Marta scored that third goal and this whole season is for Marta and Luana. Being able to celebrate with Marta was so special for me."

On being able to win close games

“You look back at the time we played Kansas City [Current] at their place, it was the same situation. We were down a [player], and we just took 10 minutes of them just booting balls in and us doing everything and anything to get the ball out. We’ve done so well not conceding in the last couple minutes and I think we did that really well. Bodies are on the line, we’re sliding, we’re doing anything possible to get the ball out.”

On how far this group has come as a team

“ It’s so special to be a part of that. To be a part of coming in as a rookie and hearing the past and the history of Orlando and then just being able to see how much better we did last year, and of course, how we’ve done so well this year. It’s really special. I’m so happy to be able to give back to Orlando, who’s seen some not-so-great times. So that means so much. And for players like Marta who have been here the whole time. Just to see her close to tears and to get that third goal, it was so special. She’s like our hype woman. When we’re playing at home, she says ‘no one has fun here except us’ she has her whole slogan. Just to be able to win for both the fans and Marta, I think it’s so special and I’m just so happy.”