Orlando City News Release -- www.orlandocitysoccer.com
Saturday, March 30, 2013
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - Orlando City claimed its third consecutive victory of the preseason against the Tampa Bay Rowdies on Saturday night, as a late goal by Dom Dwyer earned a 3-2 victory at Al Lang Field. The Lions had previously defeated the Rowdies 2-0 at the Disney Pro Soccer Classic and 3-2 at the Florida Citrus Bowl on March 9.
"It was an unbelievable atmosphere," said Orlando City Head Coach Adrian Heath. "I’m pleased for our players as they worked really hard tonight, and I’m really pleased for the supporters as they’ve been unbelievable. This one is for them."
The Lions didn’t take long to get on the scoreboard, with a well placed through-ball by Adama Mbengue to a charging Kevin Molino giving Orlando the early advantage. The 2012 USL PRO MVP found the pass in stride right outside the 18-yard box from Mbengue, rounding Rowdies goalkeeper Andrew Fontein in the fifth minute to put the Lions up 1-0.
Orlando kept pushing on the attack, with it paying off in the 32nd minute. Forward and Sporting Kansas City loanee Dom Dwyer blasted a shot that was deflected by Fontein, only for Mbengue to put in the rebound to give Orlando a two-goal advantage.
Tampa responded just before halftime, with a penalty kick converted by Tayuka Yamada in the 41st minute cutting the Lions’ lead to one. Defender Rob Valentino entangled with Tampa’s Georgi Hristov inside the Orlando penalty area, with the referee pointing to the spot immediately after both fell from the collision. Yamada slid it by goalkeeper Jon Kempin, who made his first start for Orlando since being loaned from affiliate Sporting Kansas City, to give the Rowdies some hope before halftime.
Tampa kicked off the second half with another goal, this time from Amani Walker. The striker received a well-placed chip from a Rowdies midfielder, placing it past Kempin to tie the match at 2-2 in the 51st minute.
After the Rowdies’ quick two scores, Orlando’s defense tightened in the latter part of the second half, not allowing Tampa to gain solid footing on the offensive side of the ball. A late goal by Dwyer secured the win and championship for Orlando, slotting the ball from 18 yards out in the 90th minute to give Orlando the 3-2 advantage and 6-4 lead on aggregate.
Orlando now turns its attention to the 2013 USL PRO regular season, with the Lions traveling to Sun Devil Soccer Stadium on the campus of Arizona State University to face expansion side Phoenix FC on Sunday, April 7. The match will be streamed on USLNation.com. For more information leading up to the regular season opener in Phoenix, visit Orlandocitysoccer.com.