On how the team adapt to the unique week leading into this gameĀ
It was being adaptable, using the resources that you have. Again, it’s just making sure that the players feel prepared going into each game. We’ve had a couple of setbacks in terms of training and obviously the game against Gotham getting called off. But the players are always excited to come out and train and today,Ā leading up to the game against Portland, they’re raring to go. They want to get out here, work hard, get as much preparation to go out and put a performance against Portland.
On learnings from their first match at PortlandĀ
You know what? At the end of the game, and obviously, there was some first game nerves going into a hostile environment, but, you remember those moments. We are always looking at when do we play them next and it comes on Sunday. And now we’re excited, we’re excited to really show what we can do against a top team. Performances haven’t gone our way the last couple of games, results haven’t gone our way last couple of games, but youāre playing against the champions of last year and against some of the best players in the world and that’s why you play. We’re all looking really forward to it, and again, to prove a point because although the results didn’t go our way against Portland, I thought there was a decent performance. Ultimately, we didn’t score enough goals against them and we gave them their goals also. We’ve come a long way from that game and there’s a bit of fire in the bellies to go out there and, again, change people’s opinions and make another statement within the league.
On how the team will generate more offenseĀ
With the ball, finding spaces that we can manipulate them. When we reviewed it last game, get more numbers in the box, more commitment, more desire and more belief to go out and score a goal. Whether it’s across, whether it’s a dribble, whether it’s a second phase or set pieces. We’ve added those layers to our games also. And it will be a test, [Portland are] good players, theyāre international players, they have a good understanding of how they want to play. But again, that’s why we’re here. We want to be here to challenge teams like Portland and make them feel uncomfortable in our environment. So with the backing of the fans and coming here in the heat, it should be a good environment for us to go out and get a win.
On how he balances players attacking more vs. defending the counterattackĀ
Simple as if you put the ball in the net, it doesn’t lead to a counterattack. If we talk about the 2% of getting across a defender or anticipating the ball and getting an end product then it eliminates them moments where [Portland] can be lethal in transition. It’s not going to happen every time, so you have to be mindful of your [Sophia] Smith’s, your [Morgan] Weavers and Crystal Dunn’s and make sure that you have good countermeasures. But ultimately, they can’t transition if you score goals.