Orlando City News Release -- www.orlandocitysoccer.com
Saturday, February 19, 2011
ORLANDO, Fla. -- Orlando City’s history got off on the right foot as they defeated Major League Soccer’s Philadelphia Union 1-0 in a preseason exhibition at the Citrus Bowl.
Philadelphia was reduced to 10 men early in the game when Carlos Valdes brought down Orlando’s Max Griffin just outside the penalty area. Valdes was shown a red card for denying a goal scoring opportunity, changing the tone of the game quickly. On the resulting free kick, Lewis Neal bent the shot over the Union wall and past keeper Fayrd Mondragon for Orlando City’s first ever goal.
The Lions controlled the run of play the entire match. When Philadelphia went down a man, the Lions hold on the game only got tighter. Standing out for City was winger Jamie Watson. The former Generation Adidas member looked very much the seasoned professional, with creative passing and a constant work rate.
Despite the creativity, the Lions could not convert their many chances. The players chalked it up to being early in the preseason.
“That was the first time [this preseason] I’d passed to Max [Griffin], and it showed,” said Watson. “We both missed a couple chances that we should have converted.”
Griffin was a late addition to the Orlando City camp, arriving mid-week.
Also shining for City was goal scorer Lewis Neal. In addition to his set piece goal, Neal took full advantage of the Union’s disadvantage all game long. Philadelphia played with a three-man back line following Valdes’ early exit, and often left the left wing exposed. Neal was more than happy to fill the gap, leading to several open crossing chances. Neal’s efforts kept the keepers busy all night long.
Next up for Orlando is the first round of the Walt Disney World Pro Soccer Classic on Thursday. City looks to make it two MLS teams in a row when they take on FC Dallas at 6 pm at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. A win on Thursday puts the Lions within reach of their first ever silverware, the Pro Soccer Classic championship.
Tickets for both nights of the PSC are still available. Visit http://www.orlandocitysoccer.com/tickets/disney/ for more information, or call 407-536-5368.