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U23 Match Recap: Orlando City U23s Defeat IMG Bradenton Academics 3-1

May 19, 2013 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Orlando City SC News Release


SANFORD, Fla. - The Orlando City U23s defeated IMG Bradenton Academics 3-1 in their home opener on Sunday night at the Seminole Soccer Complex in Sanford, Fla. The Lions were led by Striker Tyler Blackwood, who notched a brace and helped lead the squad to their first victory of the 2013 campaign.

"I'm pleased to win the game but we can do a lot better," said Head Coach Paul Shaw after the match. "Overall I'm satisfied with the three points but there's a lot of our game that needs to improve if we want to be successful on a weekly basis."

The Lions got on the board early in the 23rd minute, when Striker Tyler Blackwood skipped past the IMG defense and fired a shot on target, forcing Goalkeeper Andrew Wolverton to parry the ball out for a corner. Striker Nicolas Russo then whipped the ball into the six yard box, finding Defender Kyle Fisher who nodded the ball into the far corner- putting the Lions up 1-0.

After going up 1-0 early in the match, Orlando gained confidence and spent more time on the ball. However despite their dominant play, IMG would break through the U23 defense in the 42nd minute. Defender Joseph Toby got in behind the Lion defense and was awarded a penalty after Midfielder Daniel Barboto dragged him down in the box. Striker Luis Calzadilla took the penalty for IMG and had his initial attempt saved by Gomez, but was able to head the rebound into the back of the net and equalize the game.

The Lions would respond quickly and converted from another corner just before the end of the half. In the 43rd minute, Defender Tom Skelly played a ball into the box, which found Blackwood after a series of deflections. Blackwood took advantage of the error and calmly tucked the ball away, giving the Lions a 2-1 edge heading into the break.

The second half began with a similar flow to the first 45 minutes. The U23s dominated possession on the ball and would eventually break through the IMG defense, scoring their third goal of the match.

In the 82nd minute, Midfielder Itode Fubara found Paul Clowes free on the left hand side of the pitch, who swung a ball into the six-yard box. Blackwood aggressively attacked the area and nodded the ball in to the back of the net- scoring his second goal of the match.

The U23s now turn their attention to VSI Tampa Bay who is scheduled to square up against the U23s on Wednesday night at Seminole Soccer Complex. The match is set to kick off at 7 p.m. and tickets can be purchased at the gate for $8.

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