Orlando City News Release -- www.orlandocitysoccer.com
Friday, July 8, 2011
ORLANDO, Fla. – Four red cards were shown as Orlando City and the Dayton Dutch Lions battled to a 0-0 draw in front of 4,594 fans at the rain-soaked Citrus Bowl. Orlando had several near misses, but could not find the back of the net for the second time in three matches.
The match opened with Dayton on the offensive, eager to show that they were not going to bunker down as most teams do at the Citrus Bowl. After weathering the initial storm, Orlando went on the offensive. The combination play of Jamie Watson, Lewis Neal, and Max Griffin led to the Lions peppering the goal, but every shot or final pass failed to find either the goal or its intended target. The half ended scoreless, but Orlando appeared to have momentum.
Dayton came out of the second half swinging, much like the first half. After Lions goalkeeper Miguel Gallardo was tested early, Orlando returned fire. Everything changed for both sides when Michael Tetteh, on loan to City from Major League Soccer’s Seattle Sounders FC, picked up his second yellow card in seven minutes. His ejection gave Dayton a man advantage, but rather than improve Dayton’s attack, it only served to slow down Orlando City.
Dayton’s advantage was short-lived when George Davis IV brought down Erik Ustruck from the side with his studs up. The straight red card leveled the teams to 10 men apiece, spurring another wave of Orlando attacks. The Lions again came close, with Dennis Chin nearly giving the Lions the lead in the 84th minute only to see his shot hit the side netting.
As the match entered stoppage time, the physical nature of the match reached its peak. Rob Valentino was shown straight red for his high elbow, leading to a Dayton free kick. As the Dutch Lions set up their opportunity, an argument broke out. In the end, Marvin van der Pluijm was sent off for arguing with the official, delaying the match. He had received a yellow card for a reckless challenge just two minutes before. The ensuing free kick sailed over the cross bar. The match ended moments later with each side taking a point.
There is no rest for the Lions as they head to Charleston for a game on Saturday night. Orlando and their American Division rivals last squared off in the U.S. Open Cup two weeks ago, with the Lions outlasting the Battery 1-0. Orlando will be without their goalscorer from the match, Valentino, as he will serve his red card suspension. Tetteh’s loan from Seattle will also end a game early due to his red card suspension. Kickoff in Charleston is set for 7:30 pm. The match will be broadcast on USLLive.com.
Quickly approaching for Orlando City is the English Premier League Challenge. On July 17th, Bolton Wanderers visit the City Beautiful for Lions first match against a team from the English Premier League, widely considered one of the best leagues in the world. July 23rd caps off the series when Orlando City squares off against legendary English side Newcastle United. Both matches will be played at the Citrus Bowl. Tickets start at just $25. Call 855-ORL-CITY for more information.