💬 Julie Doyle: 'Just having fun' scoring goal in home state in draw against San Diego Wave

Orlando Pride Head Coach Seb Hines

Opening Statement

“Overall, I think it's a good away point. It keeps our unbeaten streak going, as well. It's always a tough place to come, San Diego away. You look at the personnel that they have on the field, internationals all over but I think we stood up to the challenge really well. I thought we took our goal exceptionally well as well. It was great to see Julie [Doyle] get on the score sheet. And then you know, obviously disappointing with the equalizer, but to see the game out and get a point away from home is pleasing for the staff and the players.”

On if the team feels disappointment to not get three points

"Yeah, absolutely. I think the players were coming off the field disappointed because they put themselves in a position to win the game. Unfortunate not to see it out or get that second goal. But every game has its challenges. When you sit at the top of the table, it's always tough because teams try a little bit harder to try and knock you off that position. I think there's elements of our game that we can continue to improve on. I think we can control the game more in possession, find our connections and our link but, again, it's a good away point. Last year we would have probably taken that. The players have set high standards for themselves and so have we as a staff. We'll review the game and see what we can continue to improve on to ensure that we can get three points.”

On the difficulty to pick a starting lineup each match due to depth

“I mean, there's some big personnel missing tonight, and Barbra [Banda] was on limited time as well, which is always difficult. But the one thing that this team has shown is that it's the next player steps up and knows their role within the team. We know that they will be 100% committed to their role and give everything. That's really important for the culture that we've installed into these players. I was pleased for them. Cori Dyke got her first start in the league [which is] really, really important. Alex Kerr getting her first appearance as well. So, yeah, we're using our depth, we're making sure that we're putting the players in positions that they can be successful, as well. They should be pleased with the point that we got away from home.”

Orlando Pride Forward Julie Doyle

Opening Statement

“We’re a little disappointed because we’ve set a high standard. But we’re also proud at the same time to come into this environment with all these fans and against a great San Diego team. To come away with a point we should be proud of that.”

On the goal that she scored

“I mean, it came off a defensive corner kick so that was amazing. I think it started with Ally [Watt] winning a tackle right around our 18 and Bri [Martinez] had the heart and desire to sprint and beat the other player to the ball. She played Barbra [Banda] down the line. Barbra drew two players and I was just thinking ‘get in the width of the goal, she’s going to play me the ball hopefully.’ And she did and it was perfect and I just knew I had to get my foot on it and it went in.”

On being able to play in front of her family and near her hometown

“I was just honestly thanking God before the game like, how cool is it that I'm at this level and I get to play in front of my family? You don't get many opportunities like this and so I was just soaking it all in and having fun.”

Orlando Pride Goalkeeper Anna Moorhouse

Opening Statement

“I think the biggest thing is disappointment. I definitely thought we defended well. We attacked well, as well. I think we were very disappointed to come away with a point and not all three.”

On if the disappointment stems from the team’s culture

“Yeah, I think so. We've now got this culture of winning games. We enjoy winning and we win with a purpose. I think the disappointment is that we've won so many games and we feel like we can beat any team. So yeah, coming away with a point isn't what we want.”

On the trust she has in any backline ahead of her

“I trust every single person on this team to go in and do a job on the backline. We can put Marta in the backline and she'll do her job, she'll do great. But yeah, it's difficult coming off an international break and you're playing on Friday when people like the Brazilians have played on Tuesday. So it's difficult, you're going to lose players, especially when we're traveling to the west coast. But I think we defended just as we always defend. We defend the same way. I think the defensive principles are always there and we're always doing that.”