Orlando City Falls 3-1 To English Premier League Side Bolton Wanderers

Published on July 17, 2011 under United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Orlando City SC News Release


ORLANDO - Orlando City and 6,932 fans welcomed the English Premier League's Bolton Wanderers to the Florida Citrus Bowl Saturday night. The Lions fought valiantly, but ultimately fell 3-1 to the Wanderers 3-1 in the first match of the 2011 Premier League Challenge.

Bolton started out the match on the attack, testing out the Orlando City defense early. The first chance for the Wanderers came in the 15th minute as Bolton midfielder Chung Young Lee caught Orlando goalkeeper Miguel Gallardo outside his box. Lee nearly lobbed it over Gallardo but the shot was too high and kept the game even at 0-0.

The attack-minded mentality finally paid off in the 18th minute. Martin Petrov crossed over to an unmarked Kevin Davies who headed in the ball for Bolton's first goal of the match. The Davies goal was Bolton's first during their American road trip.

Orlando came back with an attack of their own in the 28th minute, when new Orlando City forward Matt Luzunaris received a pass from Jamie Watson that was placed right behind the Bolton defense. Luzunaris had a clear lane to the net and rocketed in his second goal in as many days to even up the match 1-1.

Bolton did not wait long to strike again. C.Y. Lee kicked in the corner for Bolton, which pinballed around the goal. Confusion around the goal lead to Darren Pratley being unmarked, as Pratley put Bolton back up 2-1 in the 37th minute as he slipped behind the City defense to catch Gallardo by surprise, rocketing in a shot for his first goal of the match.

Although they had the lead back, Bolton did not let up. Petrov added a goal of his own in the 39th minute, taking advantage of the less experienced Orlando defense as they had yet to recover from the score just a few minutes before. Petrov broke away from City's backline after taking the ball away from Orlando midfielder Luke Boden, which resulted in a one-on-one between Petrov and Gallardo. Petrov fired in a strike past Gallardo to put up Bolton 3-1.

Orlando had a couple of chances early in the second half, but the home-town Lions were unable to convert those opportunities into goals. Max Griffin and Kevin Molino both had solid looks inside the 18 yard box, with both just missing to the left of the goal each time. Molino appeared to have scored a goal in the 73rdminute, but the goal was called off sides as he was just past the Bolton backline.

Bothe defenses held their own in the second half, not allowing the opposing squad to score. The game ended with a score of 3-1 in favor of Bolton. Orlando City Head Coach Adrian Heath commented on the friendly and the experience gained from playing against Bolton.

"It was a great experience for our players. The result did not come out in our favor, but this was a chance for our younger players to see what the top level of competition is like. I am very pleased with tonight."

Be sure to catch City's next international friendly on Saturday, July 23rdagainst Newcastle United! Tickets are available starting at just $25. Be sure to call our ticket office at 855-ORL-CITY (855-643-2489) to secure your seat today!

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United Soccer League Championship Stories from July 17, 2011


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