Saturday, August 17, 2013
ORLANDO, Fla. -- Orlando City SC (16-5-6, 54 points) finished the USL PRO regular season campaign on the right foot, topping the Charlotte Eagles (10-5-11, 41 points) 1-0 on Saturday night at Fifth Third Bank Field at the Florida Citrus Bowl. 10,215 supporters came out to watch as the Lions looked impressive heading into the 2013 USL PRO Playoffs.
“I think the most important thing is that we won the game tonight,” said Orlando City Head Coach Adrian Heath. “It looks like everyone came through unscathed tonight in the victory (as we head into the playoffs).“
The Lions, who already locked up the second seed heading into the playoffs, showed positive movement and threatening attacks early on- with Forward Dennis Chin nearly converting on a scoring chance in the 27th minute. The striker skipped past two Charlotte defenders after receiving a ball from Midfielder James O’Connor and rifled an attempt to the corner of the net, only for Eagles goalkeeper Alonso Jimenez to make a diving save.
Orlando continued to hold possession throughout the first half, with near chances by Freddie Braun and Long Tan highlighting the Lions offense as the first 45 came to a close.
The first half momentum carried over to the second, with an Orlando goal occurring in the 50th minute. Halftime substitute Jonathan Mendoza played a ball across the face of goal, finding Adama Mbengue on the opposite end of the pass. The former U23s midfielder’s deflection skipped toward Braun, who took a quick look before blasting his attempt home, giving the Lions a 1-0 lead.
Backup Goalkeeper Sean Kelley kept the score sheet clean in the second half, coming in relief for starter Miguel Gallardo. The Kentucky native came up big in the final minutes, making key saves for the shutout and victory.
Orlando now sets its sights on the 2013 postseason, which begin next Saturday at Fifth Third Bank Field at the Florida Citrus Bowl. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. against an opponent that is yet to be determined. If the Lions should advance past the first weekend of playoffs, the Semifinals would also be in Orlando, with the date set for Friday, August 30.
Tickets are available for Saturday night’s quarterfinal by calling (855) ORL-CITY or by visiting OrlandoCitySoccer.com. For more information on the upcoming playoffs and more, please visit OrlandoCitySoccer.com.