Orlando City News Release -- www.orlandocitysoccer.com
Saturday, June 18, 2011
ORLANDO, Fla. – Tough weather and tough luck led to a 1-1 draw in Orlando City’s first ever nationally televised game against the Wilmington Hammerheads. 6,923 fans braved the nearly 30 mile-per-hour winds to see the third-largest crowd of the season, but Wilmington’s Andriy Budnyy scored with six minutes to go to earn the Hammerheads a point after Devorn Jorsling had opened the scoring for the home side.
Orlando kicked off the match hesitant in their play due to severe winds but settled after the opening 10 minutes. The Lions were also playing with an altered line-up as they were missing several key starters due to suspensions and visa issues. This gave reserves Charlie Campbell, Wes Allen, and Dennis Chin a chance for playing time with the rest of the regular starters. Allen’s time was unfortunately short-lived as he suffered a leg injury in the 36th minute, opening up an opportunity for fellow defender Kieron Bernard, who replaced him.
The Lions attacked hard but came up short trying to find Max Griffin and Jorsling. The wind continued to cause havoc with City’s playing style, knocking the ball around in unpredictable ways. The two forwards made a number of good runs, Griffin curling a shot just over the bar, but were continually shut down by the wind and Wilmington defense for most of the half.
The Lions appeared to be one touch shy of a goal as the offense became frustrated in their attack. Griffin, Jorsling, Kevin Molino, and Erik Ustruck all took shots on goal that flew just wide or soared barely over the crossbar. Orlando and Wilmington battled back and forth for the remainder of the half and demonstrated aggressive play that resulted in a collection of fouls for each team. The half concluded scoreless.
The Lions sprang to life to start the second half and really began to threaten the Hammerheada’ defense. Celebration erupted in the 54th minute as Jorsling scored his first goal of the regular season. Jorsling struck a powerful shot from about 25 yards outside the goal, capitalizing on the momentum from his two-goal performance in Tuesday’s U.S. Open Cup match.
The Lions continued to press forward as they gained momentum from Jorsling’s spectacular goal. Campbell, Yordany Alvarez and Lawrence Olum controlled the midfield while Griffin and Jorsling worked together with them in the attack. Dennis Chin also brought a spark off the bench in the 74th minute when he replace Griffin.
But the Hammerheads also created chances of their own, and Budnyy capitalized to pull his side even in the 84th minute. Luke Mulholland’s cross from the right was deflected by Bernard and came to Budnyy in the 18-yard box, who promptly blasted the ball through the legs of Orlando City defender Jack Traynor and the diving hands of Miguel Gallardo. Both sides fought hard for a go-ahead goal, but could not find a decisive finish, leaving the match to end in a 1-1 draw.
“I think we played well but we got too comfortable with the lead at the end of the game,” said Charlie Campbell. “We had a couple mental lapses at the end and broke down defensively and I think that’s what cost us the goal and cost us the two points for that game. I’m disappointed that we lost the other point due to mental errors. There’s always going to be adversity in the season and it’s how you overcome that adversity. It takes a whole team effort.”
Next up for the Lions is the second round of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup. City travels to Charleston to face fellow USL PRO side the Charleston Battery. The winner of Tuesday night’s match will face a trip to Major League Soccer’s FC Dallas in the third round.