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Orlando Falls 1-0 to Blues in LA, Home Opener on Sunday

April 10, 2013 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Orlando City SC News Release


Fullerton, Calif. - A lone goal by Los Angeles Forward George Davis IV in the 80th minute gave the Blues all they needed, topping Orlando City 1-0 at Cal State Fullerton Titan Stadium in Fullerton, Calif., Wednesday night. Orlando (1-1-0) now heads back to Central Florida for their home opener on Sunday, April 14, at 6 p.m. against the Rochester Rhinos.

Orlando controlled possession for much of the first half, showing no let down from their 3-1 season opening win against Phoenix FC on Sunday. After the opening few minutes, the Lions began stringing multiple passes together, creating openings in the LA backline.

The chances began to grow for Orlando, including scoring opportunities by Forwards Long Tan and Dom Dwyer. The two were continuously fed by 2012 USL PRO MVP Kevin Molino and Jamie Watson, nearly scoring in the 24th, 38th and 44th minutes with key saves by former Chicago Fire keeper Carl Woszczynski keeping the score line at 0-0 through the first half.

Sporting Kansas City loanee and Orlando City Goalkeeper Jon Kempin began the second half with important saves for the Lions, controlling his box despite added pressure by LA. Kempin, who made his second straight start for the Lions, came up big in the 72nd minute, taking away a potential score from Blues Forward Christopher Cortez as the Kansas City native dove toward the charging Cortez to scoop up the ball and eliminate any danger.

But despite the solid goalkeeping, it was LA who scored the lone goal of the match. Blues Forward George Davis IV, who was on loan for the Lions last season in exchange for Max Griffin, scored for LA in the 80th minute. A long ball was sent past the Orlando backline, with Davis receiving the pass and rounding Kempin to give LA the 1-0 advantage.

The Lions quickly responded with attacks of their own, with Dwyer narrowly missing the best opportunity in the 85th minute as his chip over Woszczynski sailed inches above the crossbar and out of play.

Orlando now heads back to Central Florida for the 2013 regular season home opener on Sunday, April 14, at Fifth Third Bank Field at the Florida Citrus Bowl against the Rochester Rhinos. Kickoff is set for 6 p.m. A large crowd is expected as the Lions chase a third straight USL PRO Regular Season Championship. Gates open at 5 p.m., with local band Dropa Stone kicking off the 2013 MetroPCS Concert Series.

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