QUOTE SHEET
Orlando City SC 0-0 Real Salt Lake
February 29, 2020
Exploria Stadium; Orlando Florida
Head Coach Freddy Juarez
On the game management from the team:
“The professionalism and standards set on the sacrifice and mental strength was really good. But what I was really impressed with was how we could start controlling the game and getting pressure on the ball. Albert and Damir were starting to get involved in 2v1 situations on defense and we didn’t like that. So, to adjust tactically there was good then moving forward and controlling larger portions of the game with more possession and situations to attack the Orlando City backline. We’re happy with that adjustment that gave us more chances to control the game.”
On the first clean sheet of the year:
“The standard that Nedum and Marcelo bring, along with Justen, Aaron and Donny – everyone really – making it tough on the opponent. You know when you’re away from home the opponent will make it tough on you because OCSC had high hopes for this game, it’s their home opener. We controlled the moments very well and I think Zac MacMath was very good tonight with his decisions from crosses for us. Overall, it was a good effort to handle those situations well.”
On the second-half substitutes:
“We started with the same guys that were in there from the first half, but the second half was much better. We were crisper with our passing and better on the ball and we had numbers higher up the field which allowed us to go forward more. When we did that and added the fresh legs now we had moments to run at their backline. We had a bit more attack-minded players on the field later in the half. At the same time, we wanted to make sure we didn’t become a run-and-gun team because then it opens the game up for OCSC because of their speed. I thought the group managed the second half very well. They earned some chances – two that were really dangerous. That is always going to happen in a game the other team really wants to win.”
On keeping the defensive unit in both halves:
“I just told the guys to continue pressing like we did in the first half. We needed to keep doing that. Then we needed to respond to a loss of possession with energy. There were two times when we didn’t and they got by us. The other two times we did, we had the game under control.”
Forward Giuseppe Rossi
“It was great to be out there with the boys battling and looking for the three points. We’re happy with the draw and overall I think we can improve on tonight.”
On working defensively and offensively:
“I mean the team was battling for 70-80 minutes and I got 10-15 minutes so I’m trying to help them out as much as I can. I try to do my work. If it’s defending, it’s defending and I’m going to put it all out there for everyone just like we all did tonight.”
On the attack:
“We have a lot of quality in the attack this year. It was great to get a run in with the guys. We’ve been all together working for the last month or so and I think we’re at a good point. If you’re an intelligent player, it’s easy to mesh with other players. I think we have very good and intelligent players in this team. It was fun.”
On the upcoming home opener:
“I can’t wait to see the RSL fans. I have yet to step foot in the building and I can’t wait to hear everyone and see the atmosphere. It’s going to be fun.”
Defender Aaron Herrera
On earning the shutout:
“We were just grinding. Everyone on the field was working hard tonight together from back to front. It wasn’t a perfect performance for the first game of the year, but anytime you go on the road it’s going to be a grind. We just need all 11 guys going 100% the whole time and that’s what we did. Of course, you want to win but we’ll take the point to open the season.”
On the group overall:
“We have a different mentality this year. We want to be able to go on the road and compete. We always want to think we can win on the road. Not our cleanest night but we’re still trying to figure some things out. But we will get there.”
On starting in the midfield before moving back:
“It’s easy to go back to my normal position from the past two years and it’s easy for me. It’s my preferred spot on the field so I just worked my hardest.”
