Orlando City News Release -- www.orlandocitysoccer.com
Saturday, July 23, 2011
ORLANDO, Fla. – Orlando City’s biggest match to date provided a record 10,889 fans with one of the most exciting matches of the season along with one of the most exciting results as the Lions took a 1-0 victory against the English Premier League's Newcastle United. Even as the match started, thousands still waited outside to grab a ticket to the biggest EPL friendly in Orlando City’s young history. 
The first half proved to be a defensive struggle. Newcastle got its first real chance of the match in the 25th minute when United striker Peter Lovenkrands was taken down just outside of the box. Lovenkrands attempted the ensuing free kick, but it was deflected out by the City back line.
City had plenty attacks of their own in the first half, keeping the Newcastle defense honest. The Lions best opportunity came inthe 34th minute when a lob from Jamie Watson to City forward Matt Luzunaris gave the striker a one-on-one with Newcastle goalkeeper Fraser Forester. Luzunaris blasted a shot, but Forester made a nice save to keep the game scoreless, which was how the half ended.
The second half began much like the first with both teams denying the other of any real scoring opportunities. But as the second half wore on, the chances for Orlando grew. Max Griffin led Luzunaris perfectly into the penalty area with a well placed pass, with Luzunaris firing with his left foot and missing just inches wide. The forward had a look of disgust after the shot, knowing how close he came to scoring his third goal in as many games played with Orlando.
In a strange turn of events only minutes later, Orlando City midfielder Lewis Neal missed the same shot that Luzunaris missed only minutes beforehand, but in the 76th minute, Orlando finally broke through.
Dennis Chin was substituted in for Griffin in the 74th minute to provide a spark off the bench, and he did just that. Chin broke free and ran past the entire Newcastle backline after he intercepted a pass. At the very last moment, he passed to a streaking Kevin Molino who rocketed in the only goal of the match. Molino, who was supposed to be playing for Trinidad U-23 team in their Olympic qualifying tournament, only to miss his flight, but after the game he said he thought the travel mishap was a sign.
“Everything happens for a reason. I am just excited to be here,” said Molino at the post-game press conference. “It was an incredible feeling to score against Newcastle. I’m just happy that I am here.”
Molino was wearing a Newcastle jersey at the conference (every Orlando City players received one after the match as a token of gratitude). Getting the jersey from the Newcastle squad is something Molino does not plan to take lightly.
“It is something I will cherish for the rest of my life,” said the 21-year-old said.
The nearly 11,000 in attendance was a season high for Orlando City, and stands as the new club record. The previous high was 7,933 - 2,956 less than tonight’s match.
Next up for the Lions is much-deserved week off. Orlando City returns to league action on August 3rd at 7:30 p.m. when the Charleston Battery comes to the Citrus Bowl for the first of a two-game series that will have major ramifications to the USL PRO playoff picture. Call 855-ORL-CITY for tickets, and visit www.orlandocitysoccer.com for more information on the match.