Sunday, June 17, 2012
ORLANDO, Fla. -- Orlando City Soccer Club claimed its ninth victory of the season, maintaining its lead in the USL PRO table by defeating Antigua Barracuda FC 2-0 on Sunday night in front of 6,148 fans at the Florida Citrus Bowl. Kieron Bernard scored his first goal of the year and Matt Luzunaris added the second of the match in second-half stoppage time to give Orlando victory.
“Overall I was pleased with the result,” said Orlando City Head Coach Adrian Heath. “The game was very one-sided all evening. I’m happy with the win and now we’ll look toward Friday and the game against Harrisburg.”
Orlando (9-1-2) got on the scoreboard first through Bernard's header. After a Kevin Molino shot was punched out by Antigua (2-8-0) Goalkeeper Molvin James, Luke Boden sent in a corner for Orlando. The Sheffield, England, native found a leaping Bernard in front the Antigua goal to give Orlando a 1-0 advantage in the 14th minute.
Orlando’s defense kept the Antigua attack in check throughout the evening. Led by Goalkeeper Miguel Gallardo and his fourth shutout of the 2012 season, the City defense was on point all night. Gallardo made four saves on 14 shots faced to lead the Orlando back line in an impressive showing. Kyle Davies was especially solid for the Lions, cutting off attack after attack.
Luzunaris, brought on as a second-half substitute, put the game on ice for the Lions in second-half stoppage time with a strike of his own. After being sprung by Ian Fuller, Luzunaris gave himself extra space before sliding a far-post strike past James. It was Luzunaris’ first goal since returning from an illness that saw the forward miss three matches.
With the victory, Orlando again holds a five-point advantage over the rest of the USL PRO table. The Charleston Battery are in second place, a team whom Orlando defeated last week by a score of 2-1 at the Citrus Bowl.
The Lions continue their home stand as the Harrisburg City Islanders come to town this Friday night. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. Friday marks the first time the two clubs have met since the 2011 USL PRO Championship back on September 3, 2011. Orlando City defeated Harrisburg 3-2 on penalty kicks after finishing the match tied 2-2 in regulation to capture the league title.