Toronto FC 2, Orlando City 1
Q. Maybe you can just speak about sort of the team's mentality in coming from a goal down in a very difficult place to play, scoring two late goals, to pull out an I am probable rode victory.
SEAN JOHNSON: Yeah, I thought it was a resilient response from us. I think over the course of the season, just looking at this group and how this group has evolved, I think we have been -- yeah, we're looking for a little challenge and adversity and face it head on; and I think it's the first time we've come-from-behind and win a game on the road, especially, is a big task.
For this group, I think it was something we felt at halftime, we came in and regrouped and got out everything we had to say.
Q. Can you take us inside those celebrations we saw on the field a little bit? I know the points Marc that you guys had set for this phase three part, achieving that was a big part of tonight.
SEAN JOHNSON: Yeah, you know, we had made certain objectives and goals that we wanted to reach as a group, and it was important for us to maintain and stay on target of where we wanted to be at this point in the season. This match was a big factor in that entire objective.
So for us, it's putting everything into the performance to make sure we stay on target. Ultimately, I think you saw the emotions of the group that is a close group and that has developed a brotherhood since day one; that we could come together, and with all the additions we've had, you're seeing all the work come together and payoff. I think everybody in the collective, the guys that started the game came on the pitch, and the guys that didn't come on the pitch their energy was winning the game tonight and we needed every ounce of that energy. It was a beautiful thing to see and I was really happy for the group.
Q. John used words like "trust" and "collective." You also used the word "collective" and "brotherhood." Those are words that may not have been associated with this team in the not-too-distant past. What is it that John has been able to do to foster and build those themes within this team?
SEAN JOHNSON: Yeah, I think since John has come into the organization, I think he's been very clear about what he wants to achieve and that's spread throughout the team. Ultimately we knew we were not going to be able to achieve anything without doing it together. It's a brotherhood as I mentioned, so we have been focused on building a culture so we, the collective, the leaders within this team, you know, from top to bottom, John, the staff, the veteran players, the new players that come in, I think everybody understands what it takes to achieve something, and to be a part of something special doesn't happen often.
But like you said, coming off a year like last year, it's really important to nail the things we needed to do to fix ultimately what was going to take us to that next legal, and I think the culture is in the bottom of it. We talk about doing more than what's necessary for yourself, being able to do selfless things for other people. It's giving every ounce of energy you have on the pitch, off the pitch, match day, everything that happens after the game. I think this group has definitely come a long way and developed a really strong bond.
Q. Fede did not score tonight but everyone can agree, just a fantastic effort, collecting two assists and putting in a workmanlike shift. What did you see from him and what can you say about his sort of work ethic and commitment to really pushing the team forward?
SEAN JOHNSON: Yeah, to be honest, I can't even find words to describe how important he's been to this group; the level that he brings every single game, game-in and game-out and what he does for this group.
I know everybody obviously wants that goal for him but the tracking back last game -- keep off the line against New England, it's the small things that he may not get a ton of creditor but internally he's been something special this year and he's taken the responsibility on his shoulders in a big way. I'm really proud to be his teammate and his effort and what he brings to the group. I don't think we are anywhere close to the target that we hit.
So I know the goals are coming. The group knows the goals are coming. But what he's doing in the bottom of it now and what he brings game in and game out, that's something that we'll need every game going forward, and it's something that he really committed to. I couldn't be happier for him tonight to get the assists, and yeah, what a feeling after the game to be able to celebrate a win with him and the boys. Yeah, there's no better feeling.
Q. Prince continues his hot streak. What are you seeing in him this last little while that's working?
SEAN JOHNSON: Yeah, Prince is an incredible human being first and foremost. He's extremely hungry to come here and make sure he leaves a stamp when it's all said and done. I think scoring goals, driving the line, his commitment into pressing and being in the right spot and being available for guys, been really impressed with how he's taken a different level of responsibility for this group as well. It's not easy to go out every single game and have that pressure to have a game-chinking moment but it's something that he lives for.
Again, all the things you don't necessarily see but when it comes down to it, he's such an important piece of the group and so proud that he's been able to do the things he's been doing the past few games, and I'm sure it will continue.
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FastScripts Transcript by ASAP Sports