Orlando City News Release -- www.orlandocitysoccer.com
Friday, June 10, 2011
ORLANDO, Fla. – Orlando City and Antigua Barracuda FC battled to the end in an incredible match that saw Orlando’s 11-game undefeated streak come to an end with a 2-1 loss as Stefan Smith and Randolph Burton gave Antigua victory. The game was a thrilling fight to the end resulting in four red cards, three goals, two yellow cards which captivated every single one of the 5,943 in attendance at the Florida Citrus Bowl. 
The first half was a very back-and-forth affair. Both sides jockeyed for position with neither team managing a dangerous attack. The major hindrance for Orlando was the seven offside infractions they committed in the first half, cancelling several goal-scoring opportunities. Though action-packed, the first half ended scoreless.
The second half began with a frenzy of Antigua attacks. The Barracuda broke through in the 48th minute when Lions defender Demar Stewart was whistled just outside the 18-yard box, a near ideal location for a free kick. Quinton Griffith slammed the ball low and hard towards the near post. Orlando goalkeeer Miguel Gallardo blocked the shot but Smith jumped on the rebound for a quick strike and a 1-0 lead.
Antigua’s strong attack was not finished when Burton beat Luke Boden on a one-on-one. Gallardo was left with little chance as Burton slid a low shot into the net. Just 10 minutes into the second half the Barracudas were firmly in control of the match.
The Lions were down, but determined. They struck back hard in the 59th minute with an fine finish by forward Max Griffin. Lions winger Jamie Watson assisted the goal by making a through-pass to Griffin, who easily slid the ball past Antigua goalkeeper Keita DeCastro. Griffin picked up his league-leading eighth goal of the season and gave Orlando City a boost of energy.
That energy spilled over in the 70th minute when Rob Valentino was tackled hard from behind and angrily stood up with frustration as Lawson Robinson threw a punch. Valentino shoved him in return. Both teams immediately got involved, sending the game into a massive fight and heated argument. Red cards were issued with Valentino being sent off along with two Antigua players and their assistant coach. One of the Barracuda ejections, Akeem Thomas, was the result of a substitute leaving sidelines to join in a physical altercation. Both teams played with ten men the remainder of the match.
Orlando City pushed hard to try and score the tying goal but were unable to capitalize on their opportunities. Griffin came close after scrambling in the six-yard box to score, but he was ultimately shut down in crowd of defenders. Orlando City’s loss was tough, but they fought courageously and never gave up on their attack until the final whistle.
“In the final third we need to be more consistent; we need to be more lethal,” said Gallardo. “We’re the best team in the league by far and tonight we lost to a team, in all due respect to them, we were much better than, but we’ll get a chance again to get them back.”
Orlando will not have to wait long before they face Antigua again. The Lions face Barracuda FC in a two-game series in Antigua which begins on June 24th and concludes on June 26th. Both matches will be shown on USLLive.com.
Next up for the Lions is the opening round of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup. City takes on ASC New Stars at 7:30 pm on Tuesday, June 14, at the UCF Soccer and Track Complex. For tickets and information, call 407-536-5368 or visit www.orlandocitysoccer.com.