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Orlando City SC Extends Its Winning Streak to Six Games

May 9, 2014 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Orlando City SC News Release


Pittsburgh, PA.- Orlando City SC (6-0-2, 20 points) extended its winning streak to six games on Friday night after securing a 1-0 victory over the Pittsburgh Riverhounds () at Highmark Stadium. The win is Orlando's first-ever victory in Pittsburgh as the Lions have only managed to produce three draws in as many matches in Pennsylvania.

Midfielder Kevin Molino started the scoring for Orlando in the 13th minute with a clever dink over Goalkeeper.

Molino and Dennis Chin swapped roles for the Trinidadian's fifth goal of the season as Molino, who has set Chin up on multiple occasions so far this season, was on the recipient end of a beautifully lobbed ball inside the area from Chin.

Pittsburgh had a chance to respond in the 16th minute, when Angulo's header went just over the bar. Miguel Gallardo looked to be in a good position to make the save had it landed on target but Pittsburgh's effort was still a nervous moment for the City defense who had things under control for the majority of the first half.

Team Captain Rob Valentino made a return to the back-line after missing the past three games due to suffering an ankle injury in the Lions' match in Dallas against FC Dallas reserves last month.

Valentino picked up right where he left off and played a capable first half before being brought off at halftime for Justin Clark, who has been a solid replacement for Valentino during his injury.

Also inserted into the starting line-up by Head Coach Adrian Heath was veteran Midfielder Anthony Pulis who replaced winger Brian Span. The Dallas loanee was likely being rested by Heath ahead of Orlando's match against the Rochester Rhinos in New York tomorrow night.

Both sides had a slow start to the second half but City would nearly produce another early goal when right-back Tyler Turner whipped a drive ball to Yordany Alvarez whose header went just inches over the crossbar.

Gallardo had a relatively quiet night but was called upon to make a big save in the 56th minute when Riverhounds' Midfielder Danny Earls hit powerful strike from close range that forced the Mexican goalkeeper to make a quick reaction save.

However, Pittsburgh nearly had a golden opportunity to equalize when the referee awarded a penalty after what seemed to be a controversial call on City Defender Brad Rusin. Fortunately for City, the referee consulted with his assistant referee and reversed his initial call.

The Riverhounds would make a final push when the referee allowed six additional minutes of stoppage time and created several near chances. In the 95th minute, Pittsburgh substitute Alfonso Motagalvan came close to sneaking the ball past Gallardo with a header but the tenured 'keeper made a diving finger-tip save to maintain the clean sheet.

Orlando City's next match will take place tomorrow night at 7:05 p.m. EST against the Rochester Rhinos, who the Lions defeated 3-1 at ESPN Wide World of Sports earlier this season.

The match will be live streamed via YouTube.com/RocRhinos.

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