USL Orange County SC

Blues Earn 1-0 Road Win at Dayton

Published on May 12, 2012 under United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Orange County SC News Release


DAYTON, Ohio - The Blues earned a crucial road win on Friday night, defeating the Dayton Dutch Lions 1-0 behind a 73rd minute goal by Allan Russell. The 31-year-old midfielder redeemed himself with the tally, having skied a penalty kick in the 66th minute following a foul on new addition Bright Dike, who registered his first start a mere four days after joining the Blues on loan from the Portland Timbers.

In an opening period that saw both sides focus on their defensive shapes, the Blues very nearly got on the board in the 26th minute. On a through ball into the attack, goalkeeper Matt Williams did well to rush off his line and thwart Dike's one-on-one opportunity, the rebound falling to Cheun-Yong Park, whose follow-up attempt seemed destined for the open net but never made it through a pile of sliding Dutch Lions bodies.

Former Dayton forward George Davis IV also had a chance well saved by Williams on his return to Ohio, as the Dutch Lions shot-stopper kept the match scoreless at the break. The hosts came close to opening the scoring early in the second half, Dias'a free-kick seeing the ball fall to Gibson Bardsley, whose effort was denied by Blues netminder Jos� Miranda.

Miranda's side had a golden opportunity to take the lead in the 66th minute, as Dike went down in the penalty area and Russell looked to make it 1-0 from the spot. Despite sending the attempt well over the crossbar, the fiery Scot refused to be discouraged, and he would be rewarded for his textbook morale when the ball fell to his feet following a 79th minute corner kick. Russell's powerful finish from inside the box beat Williams and shook the inside of the net to give the Blues an important lead on the road.

The hosts threw everything forward after the goal, but they were unable to find an equalizer, as Miranda made two huge saves to preserve victory for his side. First the 25-year-old Cuban kept out a Gregory Preciado blast following a cross by Joel DeLass, then he came up with an outstanding reaction to tip DeLass's attempt onto the post inside the final ten minutes.

Having successfully defended five consecutive Dutch Lions corner kicks in the game's nerve-wrecking closing stages, the Blues held on for a hugely important road win that has them looking to Saturday's 4 p.m. PT away match at Pittsburgh with confidence. Meanwhile, Dayton looks to bounce back in its May 18 road clash with the Rochester Rhinos.

The Blues' next two USL PRO home games come on June 15 and June 17, as the Dutch Lions will travel to Fullerton for a pair of chances to redeem themselves for Friday's defeat. Tickets for both fixtures start at $10 and may be purchased by calling 714-738-8011 or by visiting http://lablues.ticketfly.com or www.labluesprosoccer.com.

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United Soccer League Championship Stories from May 12, 2012


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