VSI Dramatic 3-2 Loss to Orlando City

August 8, 2013 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
VSI Tampa Bay FC News Release


Orlando, Fla - VSI Tampa Bay FC fell to Orlando City Soccer Club late Wednesday evening in the Florida Citrus Bowl after an intense battle for goals.

Early in the match Mauricio Salles, with explosive energy, sailed a cross into Sebastien Thuriere only to find the ball intercepted by the hands of Orlando City keeper Miguel Gallardo. Equally active on Orlando's side Dennis Chin sprinted forward moments later and found himself on the ground from a hard tackle by VSI defender Kyle Hoffer turning the possession back to VSI Tampa Bay FC. Orlando City held much of the possession in the opening minutes of the match, but VSI Tampa Bay earned the first goal of the night.

In the 26th minute of play Chad Burt found himself in the right place at the right time as Sebastien Thuriere crushed a shot into the arms of Gallardo. Gallardo saved the initial shot only to watch helplessly as Burt tapped the ball past him, lifting VSI Tampa Bay up 1-0.

Orlando City responded quickly as a free kick from Freddie Braun sailed into the head of Renan Boufleur six minutes later. Boufleur redirected it into the back of VSI Tampa Bay's net to equalize the match at 1-1. Both teams entered the second half with the drive to win and Dennis Chin struck first. Chin sprang to action again driving a low shot past Horwath's outstretched arms. However, it was Braun who assisted in the play that gave Orlando the lead in the second half. Braun fired a near post cross into the VSI box and defender Cheyne Roberts deflected the ball into his own net in the 51st minute of the match.

Fresh legs appeared in the match a few minutes later as Shawn Chin substituted on for Thuriere. Three minutes into his time on the field Chin freed himself 20 yards out and curled a shot into the top corner of Gallardo's net equalizing the match at 2-2.

With only ten minutes left in the match a corner kick from Braun sealed VSI Tampa Bay FC's fate. Orlando's Rob Valentino flew over VSI defenders to head a ball just over Shawn Chin's head into the back of Horwath's net lifting Orlando up 3-2.

VSI Tampa Bay FC (9-10-4) turn their attention to Harrisburg (13-9-2) and Pittsburgh (9-6-7) for difficult back-to-back matches on the road this Saturday, August 10 and Sunday, August 11. Both matches are available live this weekend on www.uslnation.com.



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