Antigua Barracuda News Release -- www.antiguabarracudafc.com
Friday, June 24, 2011
ST. JOHN’S, Antigua – A lackluster performance with few glimpses of the usually energetic and vibrant Antigua Barracuda FC, accounted for their sixth defeat of the season at the hands of Orlando City Lions, who took a 3-1 victory at the Sticky Wicket Stadium on Friday night.
An own goal by Stefan Smith in the 17th minute, followed quickly by a Max Griffin goal in the 22nd were enough to send the visitors on their way to a comfortable first-half lead. The dominance of the visitors was only dented by a skillful attack involving Randolph Burton, whose telling past gave hope to a small crowd, as Orlando Mitchum confidently finished, closing the gap in the 25th minute.
With renewed enthusiasm, the second half was injected with the pace and bravado of the visitors, intent on extending their lead. A curling corner from Lewis Neal was met at the far post by an unmarked Luke Boden who gratefully accepted the opportunity and forced home the Lions’ advantage.
This was a highly anticipated game following their last meeting where the ‘Cudas broke the winning streak of the Lions. In addition, the well-orchestrated melee that led to the depletion of key players from the Barracuda line-up clearly played against their best interests.
For large portions of the game the visitors were allowed to keep possession of the ball but created little to show for it. However, their use of the flanks to spread the play and cross dangerously into the box was admirable, and it was to prove the demise of the home team.
A set play from a short corner caught the defence of the “Cudas” napping and the ball was curled into the back post for Valentino to knock back only for Smith to inadvertently place into his own goal in the 17th minute.
Similarly, a low hard ball struck firmly across the face of the goal was all Griffin needed as he beat the Barracuda defence to slide home for his league-high ninth goal of the season.
After 22 minutes, it looked like curtains for Barracuda FC, as they seemed unable to deal with the attacking options confronting them. But into action sprung the passing and moving game that the ‘Cudas fans know their team is capable of doing and as quickly as the Lions concretized their position, back came Barracuda FC to dent their spirits with a slick passing move in the 25th minute, as St Kitts International Orlando Mitchum beat the advancing Lions goalie Miguel Gallardo.
Going into the half, the expectation for a bright second spell for the home team was anticipated by the small crowd but it proved to be the other way around.
The visitors did all the running and demonstrated a level of bravery, intent on extending their slender lead. On the other hand, the 'Cudas sat back and attempted to beat the visitors on the break.
In the 61st minute a looping corner by Neal, into the far post was met by Boden who buried the ball into the back of the net to secure full points for the Lions.
Goalkeeper Gallardo earned himself a yellow card for questioning the referee’s judgment once too often, and Demar Stewart was sent for an early shower in the 86th minute, but the Lions extended their lead at the top of the USL PRO American Division to four points with their victory.
Both teams meet again on Sunday afternoon at 5 p.m. at the Sticky Wicket Stadium.