USL Orange County SC

Blues Down Antigua 3-0 Behind Burke Brace

Published on July 14, 2012 under United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Orange County SC News Release


BRADENTON, Fla. -The Blues snapped a five-game losing streak in impressive fashion on Friday, defeating hosts Antigua Barracuda FC 3-0 behind a brace by Bryan Burke as well as a goal and an assist by Brian Farber. The match, which had been postponed in the 13th minute on Thursday due to excessive rain flooding the field and resumed with the score at 1-0 on Friday, saw Antigua reduced to ten men when Luke Blakely was ejected for a tackle in the second half.

In a physical opening stretch on Thursday, Burke had the Blues drawing first blood, his low shot from inside the area finding the far corner in the 11th minute. After a lightning delay forced both sides to seek shelter inside the locker rooms, the field conditions eventually forced the postponement of the game.

The severe storm made way for gorgeous sunshine on Friday, and the Blues would go on to make it a truly enjoyable day for themselves, despite their opponents coming out with an impressive sense of urgency.

Having this time weathered the storm that was Antigua's attacking efforts, Head Coach Charlie Naimo's men created several promising plays of their own, with those in attendance being treated to some entertaining end-to-end action. Following a close miss by the Blues, the 'Cudas nearly leveled the match in the dying moments of the first half, Quinton Griffith hitting a superb free-kick that appeared destined for the upper right-hand corner until it was tipped wide in spectacular fashion by goalkeeper Jos� Miranda.

The high tempo and pressure by both teams continued after the break, with Antigua looking to release former Blues forward and Antigua and Barbuda national team star Peter Byers on several occasions. However, the squad's hopes of finding an equalizer took a hit in the 66th minute, as Blakely was given his marching orders for a late tackle from behind.

The Blues took advantage of the numerical advantage a mere two minutes later, Farber making it 2-0 with a clinical finish. The goal allowed the Fullerton-based side to slow down the play and focus on fending off their opponents' attacking efforts. As Antigua continued to push forward, spaces started opening up for Farber and his mates, and the midfielder took advantage by streaking down the wing in the 85th minute and crossing to the far post, where Burke finished into the upper corner to seal the deal.

While the two sides face off once again at Bradenton 's IMG Soccer Academy on Saturday at noon PT, the Blues' next home game is a high-profile international exhibition with Guatemalan giants C.S.D. Municipal at Fullerton 's Titan Stadium on July 22. The contest will be part of a doubleheader with the USL PRO side's sister club, the 12-0-1 Pali Blues, who have already clinched first place in their division and will kick off the exciting day of soccer as well as their postseason with the W-League Western Conference Championship game.

The Blues take on Municipal at 5 p.m. PT, with the kickoff time for Pali's playoff match yet to be determined. Tickets for the day's doubleheader are $20 for General Admission ($10 for kids 12 and under) and $30 for Midfield Premium seating. They may be purchased by calling 714-738-8011 or by visiting www.labluesprosoccer.com. General Admission group rates are available for orders of 15 tickets or more.

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United Soccer League Championship Stories from July 14, 2012


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