Orlando City News Release -- www.orlandocitysoccer.com
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
BRADENTON, Fla. -- After just four days of training, Orlando City took the trip down to IMG Academies in Bradenton, home of the U.S. Under 17s National Team Residency Program, for a friendly scrimmage against Major League Soccer's Seattle Sounders FC. The Lions were more than up for the task, holding off the vaunted Sounders attack for a 1-1 draw. Dennis Chin scored for City.
Monday's scrimmage was played as three 30-minute periods. City led 1-0 after Chin's goal in the 27th minute, and held that lead through the first 45 minutes. Seattle dominated possession, but Orlando City's defense, the best in USL PRO last season, held firm against the Sounders' first team squad. Seattle broke through in the 53rd minute when a combination of quick passes gave Sammy Ochoa a chance to place his shot out of the reach of a diving Sean Kelley. In the final 30 minutes, the City defense again held firm. Very late, goalkeeper Sean Kelley conceded penalty after a colliding with Servando Carrasco. Carrasco struck the crossbar on the penalty kick, and the match ended level.
Seattle dominated possession for the entire match, but that should be expected at this stage of the preseason. The Sounders are in their fourth week of training camp, and have already played a scrimmage friendly against Vancouver Whitecaps FC. By contrast, City has had just four days of camp. To hold their own against a much more seasoned squad is a testament to the coaching staff's ability to prepare the team on such short notice.
For highlights of the match, visit SoundersFC.com.
The strong defensive performance also bodes well for the future, as City's preseason schedule is frontloaded with difficult games against MLS competition. Next up for the Lions is the friendly against Philadelphia Union on Saturday, Feb. 18 at the Florida Citrus Bowl. For tickets and information, call 855-ORL-CITY (855-675-2489).