Tengarrinha‘s View
It was a very strong match tonight. What were your initial thoughts going into the game, and what did you emphasize leading up to it?
“Try to do pretty much the same as we have been doing, mostly against Dallas. I think we did such a good job last game against them. I think the game was pretty much the same. Like in the last one, we scored first. We could score more than just one goal. We had a lot of chances. They had a couple too. I feel like we didn’t deserve the tie. These girls deserve to win. So yeah, the game plan was there. They did an amazing job.”
How important has Samantha Rosette’s contribution been, not just on the field, but to the culture you and your staff are building? What does she mean to you as a coach?
“Samantha is a huge example. Probably she is the best captain that I ever had. She’s an example on and off the pitch. She’s a true leader. She always has something good to say in difficult moments, because in the good moments, everybody is good, but in the difficult moments, she is always there, and she’s an example. That’s why people were outside giving her the applause that she deserved. The only thing that I can complain about tonight is not giving her the win that she deserved.
What were the emotions at halftime, knowing this was Sam’s final home game?
“I think the mindset and the spirit was to give her the right goodbye, give the win for her and give her a little present, because she deserved that. So yes, we are all together for her.”
Now that the game is over, what is your immediate focus heading into the next training session and match?
“We are still alive. We know that there is a game tomorrow that, if it wins, I think we are out. We need to keep doing our job. There is a game that we need to win, or try to win away. The weather is probably going to be a little bit better. So yeah, let’s prepare for the next game with the right mindset, right energy, and get ready.”
Sam Rosette’s Career Reflection
What were your thoughts this morning as you prepared for your final home game?
“That is a hard question. I think it was just thoughts of gratitude. This has been such an incredible journey, and I am so lucky to just be able to play the sport that I love. I got to do that at home in front of so many people that love me and who I love, and who have really given me a shoulder to lean on throughout my life and my career. So I was just thinking about them and wanting to get a win at home.”
Thinking back to the club’s inception, what made you want to be part of building this team in Brooklyn?
“I think it goes back to just being a kid. I grew up in the city, and I didn’t have a team that I could go watch, that I could take the subway to go see, and that is different now. That was going to be the case for this team, and I knew that I had to be a part of that legacy. I feel so lucky to have been able to do that.”
What advice or message would you like to leave behind for future captains?
“I think less of what to remember me by, but more of just what to remember what playing for New York means. I think it’s a tale of resilience. It’s about continuing to fight, continuing to push, and giving your hardest, giving 110% for your goals and your dreams. I hope that’s a legacy that people continue on.”
What did it feel like playing here night after night and calling this place home?
“It felt really special. I have memories of going to Coney Island as a kid with my brother and my parents, and now getting to play here, it’s very full circle. I’m just very grateful.”
Having your family and loved ones here for your final game, what does that mean to you?
“It’s everything. They’re everything to me. I’m so lucky to have so many people that care about me and that I have in my corner. I burst into tears on the field looking at them tonight, so it was pretty amazing.”
