Orlando City Grabs Late Victory in Antigua

Published on May 11, 2012 under United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Orlando City SC News Release


St. John's, Antigua & Barbuda - It took nearly the full 90, but Orlando City Soccer Club (5-0-1, 16 points) pulled out the 1-0 win over Antigua Barracuda FC (2-5-0, 6 points) at Sir Vivian Richards Stadium. Max Griffin's shot was knocked in by Antigua's Troy Dublin for the game-winner in the 89th minute.

The game-winner could just as easily be credited to Griffin as the late sub's strike looked destined for the back of the net. The play was started by a Jamie Watson strike, punched wide by Barracudas keeper Kieta DeCastro. Griffin jumped on the rebound, slotting a low strike to the far post. Dublin attempted to clear, but forward momentum carried him into the net with the ball.

Orlando City started the match in control, and dominated possession for much of the opening frame. Dennis Chin, getting his first start since the season opener, was very active. Three of Chin's shots in the first half were either saved by the goalkeeper or cleared off the line by a Barracudas defender.

The Barracudas spent much of the half on the defensive, but did create some chances of their own. A fortunate pass deflection hit the post, as did a late first-half effort, but otherwise the Antiguans were unable to test Miguel Gallardo in the net.

The second half was much of the same, but even fewer chances for the Barracudas going forward. Orlando City struggled to connect through the middle in the second half, largely due to the patchy field conditions. Dennis Chin, Jamie Watson and Kieron Bernard, playing in his first match of the 2012 campaign, had shots saved in the second half.

The win is City's second straight victory, and fifth in six games. The Lions will remain at the top of the USL PRO table with 16 points. Orlando is one of two remaining undefeated teams in USL PRO. There will be little rest for the Lions. They remain in Antigua for a Mother's Day clash with the Barracudas on Sunday. Kickoff is set for 4:30 p.m. The match will be broadcast on USLNation.com, the USL PRO's free, online video service.

In other Orlando City news, the Under 23s squad defeated Ft. Lauderdale Schulz Academy 6-0 at the Seminole Soccer Complex in Sanford. The City youngsters got goals from five different players, including two from local product and 17-year old Nico Russo. The result is a good omen ahead of the U23s first U.S. Open Cup match on Tuesday against Jacksonville United.

About Orlando City Soccer Club: Orlando City Soccer Club (OCSC) is one of Orlando's premier professional sports franchises. Orlando City plays in the USL PRO league, part of the United Soccer Leagues. During the inaugural 2011 season, the Orlando City Lions captured the USL PRO American Division, Regular Season, and Playoff championships, and was named the 2011 USL PRO Organization of the Year. For more information, visit www.orlandocitysoccer.com today.

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United Soccer League Championship Stories from May 11, 2012


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