Orlando City News Release -- www.orlandocitysoccer.com
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
ORLANDO, Fla. -- Kevin Molino had a goal and an assist as Orlando City extended its undefeated streak to nine games with a 2-0 victory against the Richmond Kickers in front of a crowd of 4,517 fans at the Florida Citrus Bowl on Wednesday night. 
Orlando City and Richmond came out aggressively in the first half, but it was the Lions who capitalized early to take the lead with a goal in the fourth minute from Lewis Neal. Molino provided the assist, making a crisp pass to Neal through the defense to give the Englishman enough time to take a touch before shooting. Richmond goalkeeper Ronnie Pascale got a hand on the ball but it still found its way into the back of the net.
Orlando kept its momentum following the goal, and Molino was not finished making an appearance when he scored the second goal in the 13th minute. After midfielder Luke Boden fed the ball through to Molino, he fired a strong shot from just outside the penalty area that flew past Pascale into the net.
Richmond proved their abilities in the second half with more possession and assertively controlling their passes. Both Stanley Nyazamba and Shaka Bangura had opportunities to pull a goal back, but Orlando City goalkeeper Miguel Gallardo was able to record his sixth shutout of the season.
There was also some physicality in the second half that saw three yellow cards produced, one to Richmond forward David Rosenbaum and the other two to Orlando City's Boden and Max Griffin.
Coach Adrian Heath recognized that his players let themselves down in the opening game of the season against Richmond but the victory of this game was able to make amends for that loss.
“I think the most important thing here is the performance of the first half. The ball movement and ball retention was good,” said Heath. “I’m really pleased with the first half performance, we looked a little bit tired in the second and a little bit jaded, but overall it really was a good performance.”
The Lions remain at home for their next game, which is next Thursday as they host the Charlotte Eagles at 7:30 p.m.