Orlando City News Release -- www.orlandocitysoccer.com
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- Though they fought valiantly until the end, Orlando City fell 4-0 to rivals FC Dallas in tonight’s Disney Pro Soccer Classic match-up. A red card to goalkeeper Sean Kelley in the fourth minute of the match quickly left Orlando behind. The Lions were unable to catch up with the only MLS side that has ever beaten Orlando City.
The Kelley red card set the tone for the match. A penalty kick was also awarded for the foul, converted by David Ferreira, giving Dallas a 1-0 lead in the first five minutes. City responded quickly, taking control of the game. At the half-hour mark, the Lions looked to be the stronger side, but FC Dallas managed to turn the tables back in their favor.
Ferreira, the 2010 MLS MVP, took advantage of the extra space in the midfield given to him by the man advantage and placed a strong through-ball behind the City defense. The speedy Fabian Castillo took the pass into the 18 yard box and fired to the far post. Miguel Gallardo, in for Kelley, dove but saw the ball fly past his out-stretched hands for a 2-0 Dallas lead.
With a two-goal advantage, Dallas took control of the game. The possession game, normally a trademark of Orlando City’s offense, became the Dallas standard for the remainder of the half. While they did not push forward with any major threats, they did wear down City’s players.
Halftime brought renewed energy and fresh legs for Head Coach Adrian Heath’s side. Orlando City was back in control of the match for the first 10 minutes of the second half, but another Dallas counter would be the dagger. Castillo got on the end of another deep pass, but instead of taking his own shot, fired a cross to the 6-yard box. Blas Perez took the pass in stride and fired a laser past Gallardo.
Heath used the remainder of the game to vet out players on trial. Among the trialists getting minutes were Rollins College alums Justin Clark and Nick Sowers. FC Dallas would net a fourth and final goal just before the final whistle when Andrew Wiedemen redirected a Jair Benitez cross past a wrong-footed Gallardo.
Following the match, Heath was upbeat about his team’s play, particularly in the first half.
“For about 25 minutes in the first half, I was really pleased with our football,” said Heath. “The second goal took the wind out of our sails a bit because it was at a period of the game where we were playing very well. I was disappointed with the goals we conceded, but our football was better than it was on Saturday against Toronto. Obviously playing with 10 men is very difficult. I can’t fault the boys for the effort they put in tonight. It is preseason, and we’ll be better for it.”
Orlando City closes out group play in the Disney Pro Soccer Classic on Thursday at 8 p.m. against Swedish side BK Hacken. A combination of a win against Hacken, an FC Dallas win against Toronto FC, and a favorable goal differential will see City playing in the Consolation Game on Saturday. Anything short of a victory on Thursday will see Orlando eliminated. Tickets are available on www.ticketmaster.com.