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Orlando City U23s Defeat Ocala Stampede 2-1 in Southeast

June 14, 2013 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Orlando City SC News Release


SANFORD, Fla. - The Orlando City U23s (4-2-1,13 points) defeated Southeast Division rivals Ocala Stampede (3-2-0 9, points) 2-1 Friday night at the Seminole Soccer Complex in Sanford, Fla. The win marks their third consecutive victory, and moved the young Lions into first place in the Southeast Division.

"We've definitely improved throughout the past three matches," said Head Coach Paul Shaw after the match. "We didn't play our best in the first half, but we made a change and tried to play a bit more positive. Hats off to the guys for pulling this one out and we look forward to Wednesday's game."

The Lions had a difficult start to the game as the Ocala-based side attempted to press the U23s high and disrupt their style of play. In the 19th minute of play, the Stampede high pressure yielded an opportunity when Midfielder Kyle Breitmeyer forced a costly mistake from Goalkeeper Tomas Gomez. The mistake occurred when Breitmeyer ventured into the 18-yard box, and attempted to square the ball back to the near post. Gomez made the proper adjustments but accidentally parried the ball into the net, giving the Stampede a 1-0 lead.

The U23s spent the remainder of the half probing in search of an equalizer, but were unable to breakthrough the Stampede backline. However, Shaw made a tactical change and brought on Striker Robbie Kristo at halftime, which provided the spark needed to propel the Lions.

Kristo presence made an immediate impact up top for the Lions, as the target striker caused continual problems for the Stampede defense. In the 52nd minute, Kristo nodded down a floated ball into Striker Tyler Blackwood's path, and the lethal striker wasted no time slotting the ball home. Blackwood's goal gave the Lions the equalizer they needed and gave the U23s the confidence required to venture forward.

In the 73rd minute, Defender Michael Millay broke free on the right-hand side and lobbed a ball into the box for Blackwood- who clinically tucked the ball away past Goalkeeper Andrew Bolowich. The goal marked the University of Tampa product's second goal of the match and league-leading ninth goal of the season.

Ocala would spend the remaining minutes sending multiple players forward in search of an equalizer, but Gomez and the City defense remained in tact. The 2-1 victory over the Stampede gives the Lions 13 points on the season, and a first place berth in the Southeast Division.

The Lions will play their next matches at home against Southwest Florida Adrenaline and Panama City Beach Pirates at Seminole Soccer Complex. The game against Southwest Florida Adrenaline will take place on Wednesday, June 19, at 7 p.m. The U23s will then play the Pirates on Saturday, June 22, with kickoff set for 4 p.m.

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