Orlando City News Release -- www.orlandocitysoccer.com
Saturday, March 17, 2012
SANFORD, Fla. -- Orlando City remained undefeated in its collegiate friendlies as the Lions defeated Stetson University 3-0 on Saturday night. Jamie Watson led Orlando with two goals while Dennis Chin had two assists in City’s victory.
Watson, in his first start of the 2012 preseason, capitalized early for the Lions. On a breakaway, Chin laid a ball over the Stetson back line, with Watson at the other end of the pass. Watson collected the long ball from Chin, putting a low shot past the oncoming Stetson keeper, giving Orlando the early 1-0 lead in the 20th minute.
“The goal was a good start to the match,” Watson said. “I thought Chin laid off a good ball to give me the opportunity.”
Only a few minutes later, Chin once again led a fellow teammate to an opportunity, with Nick Sowers on the other end. Luke Boden found Chin on a long throw-in at the left corner of Stetson’s end, who headed the ball over to Sowers. The trialist found a clear lane to the goal, putting in his first goal of the 2012 preseason.
Two goals in the first half weren’t enough for Orlando, as Watson notched a third in the 34th minute. The midfielder fooled the Stetson goalkeeper with a low, driven effort that went right past him and into the net, putting Orlando up 3-0.
The second half was an opportunity for City to give players some much needed time on the pitch, including new trialists Leaunghn Williams and Sean Reynolds. Orlando continued to bring on fresh legs in the latter part of the half, while Rollins’ defense buckled down to not allow another goal.
After the match Orlando City Head Coach Adrian Heath spoke about the preseason and giving unproven players an opportunity to show their talent.
“I thought our younger guys played a good match,” said Heath. “Playing out here in the heat on a March afternoon is a fun way to get experience in. Overall we moved the ball well and were stronger at the final third. We’ll take the win and move on to the next match.”
Orlando continues its preseason schedule with a match against the University of Tampa at Seminole Soccer Complex on Wednesday, March 21 in Sanford, Fla. This will be the Lions first ever match up against the Spartans. Admission to the match is free, with kickoff set for 7 p.m.