Orlando City News Release -- www.orlandocitysoccer.com
Saturday, February 9, 2013
KISSIMMEE, Fla. — Second-half goals by Ovideo-native Dennis Chin and Philadelphia’s Leo Fernandes proved to be the only two scores of the match between Orlando City and Philadelphia Union at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in Kissimmee Fla., with the game ending in a 1-1 draw. The Lions remain unbeaten against the MLS side in their three meetings, and earned Orlando one point in the Disney Pro Soccer Classic's Group A standings.
“I thought it was a good showing for our boys,” said Orlando City Head Coach Adrian Heath. “We kept up and showed that we can really play.”
The Lions started on the offensive in the first half, with the new forward duo of Long Tan and 2012 USL PRO leading scorer Chin setting a rapid pace of attack that hinted at a new scoring tandem in 2013. With Tan continually pressing, a near chance occurred from attacking midfielder Jamie Watson, who nearly connected with streaking Chin in the seventh minute. The strike went just wide of the left post, but set the tone early on.
Philadelphia’s first chance came in the 22nd minute. After a Union attacker was pulled down outside the 18-yard box by Freddie Braun, Philadelphia’s Michael Farfan attempted a free kick just outside box. His low-roller was saved by goalkeeper Miguel Gallardo, keeping the game scoreless.
The second half began with a scare, with Philadelphia midfielder Danny Cruz’s shot deflecting straight across the goal line, only for a diving Gallardo to save the shot.
Orlando continued to press throughout the second half, with the Lions' pressure finally paying off in the 54th minute. After a mis-communication by the Union backline, Dennis Chin slotted home a shot a tight angle on the right side, giving City a 1-0 advantage.
The lead for City lasted for 20 minutes before former Reading United midfielder Fernandes evened the match. The supplemental draft pick from Stony Brook snuck a shot by Gallardo in the 75th minute after a friendly deflection went the Union’s way, giving control back to the MLS side.
The match was also good chance for the Lions to get a good look at their trialists, with three starting the match for City (Freddie Bruan, Brian Fekete and Kemaar Dailey). Heath said that the Disney Pro Soccer will continue to be a great evaluator for players on the preseason roster.
“They gave us a lot of confidence tonight,” said Heath of the trialists. “I thought all of them played well and I was impressed with their performance."
Orlando City continues group play at the Pro Soccer Classic on Wednesday night against Toronto FC. Kickoff is set for 8 p.m. The Lions are 1-0-1 (W-L-T) all-time against the Reds, including a 2-2 draw last season in the Pro Soccer Classic. City led 2-1 in the 60th minute before Toronto equalized on a late goal by Torsten Frings. For ticket information on the match, please visit http://espnwwos.disney.go.com/events/pro/wdw-pro-soccer-classic/.