Thursday, May 24, 2012
ORLANDO, Fla. – Orlando City Soccer Club battled to a 1-1 draw against the Los Angeles Blues on Thursday night at the Florida Citrus Bowl in front of 7,231 fans. Orlando remains undefeated in 2012 as they turn their attention to the next regular season match against the Charlotte Eagles this Saturday.
“I thought that our final ball needed a lot of work,” said Head Coach Adrian Heath. “We have to score the goals when we’re presented the opportunity.”
The Lions (6-0-2) struck first in the 22nd minute with the help of the head of Wes Allen. Anthony Pulis sent in a corner from the left after it was cleared out by Los Angeles (3-2-2) defender Erlys Garcia, and found Allen in the center of the penalty area as he elevated above his marker to put Orlando up 1-0. The goal and assist were Allen and Pulis’ second of the season, respectfully.
It didn’t take long for the Blues to respond. Bright Dike, on loan from Major League Soccer's Portland Timbers, scored the equalizer for in the 25th minute. Dike traveled over 3,000 miles on Wednesday night from the Timbers' international friendly with Valencia to start the match against Orlando, and scored his second goal for the Blues in as he got behind the Orlando back line and blasted in a snap header in the right-hand corner of the goal from Carlos Borja's cross.
The second half was very much a defensive struggle. Both clubs earned opportunities to score but came up short, mainly due to the play of goalkeepers Miguel Gallardo and Amir Abedzadeh. Orlando, in an effort to change the pace of the match, substituted in Max Griffin and Matt Luzunaris, bringing in more experience. The Blues responded well to the changes, not allowing the fresh forwards a true opportunity on goal.
A late scare for the Lions came in the 80th minute, when Borja rocketed a shot that hit the crossbar, barely missing the top of the net as it ricocheted out of play. The match ended soon after with defense controlling much of the play the final 10 minutes.
There’s little turnaround for Orlando as the Lions face the Charlotte Eagles this Saturday night at the Florida Citrus Bowl in USL PRO regular season play. Kickoff for the match is set for 7:30 p.m. The two clubs met earlier in the season, with Orlando taking the 2-0 victory over Charlotte in Charlotte, N.C.
The Blues, meanwhile, make the trip north to face the Charleston Battery at Blackbaud Stadium, also on Saturday night at 7:30 p.m.