USL PRO Game Report
Saturday, June 7, 2014
IRVINE, Calif. -- Three goals in the space of five minutes propelled the Orange County Blues to a 4-3 win against the Dayton Dutch Lions at Anteater Stadium on Saturday night. Chris Cortez scored twice for the Blues, while Josh Suggs and Allan Russell also found the back of the net before Orange County had to hold on late as Dayton pulled within a goal in second-half stoppage time.
Dayton would strike first as Matt Walker poked home his first professional goal after just 12 minutes to give the visitors a 1-0 lead. The Blues responded in emphatic fashion as Cortez headed home his third goal of the season following a pinpoint cross from Russell to draw the sides level in the 18th minute.
Less than a minute later, Suggs turned Ross Friedman inside out before tucking the ball into the right corner of the net with a great solo effort. The Blues then made it 3-1 in the 22nd minute as Jimmy Turner found space down the right before sending a perfectly-weighted cross for Russell to put home his third goal of the season.
The Blues stretched their lead to 4-1 in the 64th minute as Gabriel Gonzalez crossed for Cortez, who found the right corner of the net with his downward header for his second of the match. The three-goal cushion caused the Blues to take their foot off the pedal, and Elii Garner handed the Dutch Lions a lifeline with 11 minutes to go as he swept home from close range.
Dayton continued to storm forward and pulled to within one as Joel DeLass took advantage of slack defending in the Blues' penalty area to push the ball through Taylor Peay and goalkeeper Patrick McLain’s legs in the 93rd minute. It was nothing more than a consolation, however, as referee Ramon Hernandez blew the whistle right after the ensuing kickoff as the Blues held on for all three points.
The Blues will pack their bags and head for the east coast for their next pair of contests as they take on Orlando City and Charlotte on Wednesday and Friday respectively.