Orlando City Downs Major League Soccer’s Colorado Rapids 3-1

Dwyer with brace, Burke with goal/assist in Orlando City SC franchise’s first win over MLS club in US Open Cup play

Orlando City SC (USL PRO) defeated the visiting Colorado Rapids (Major League Soccer) 3-1 Tuesday night in the third round of US Open Cup play at Fifth Third Bank Field at the Florida Citrus Bowl in Orlando, Fla. Forward Dom Dwyer notched two goals in the second half, leading the club to its first-ever win over an MLS club in US Open Cup play and advancing Orlando to the 4^th round of competition.

“I think just before and during the second half we were far and away the better team,” said Orlando City Head Coach Adrian Heath. “I thought we were worthy winners and it would have been a travesty if we didn’t take home the win.”

Orlando got on the board early, with a Bryan Burke score giving the Lions the 1-0 advantage. In the 4^th minute, the winger received the ball on the edge of the box- rifling his attempt off a Colorado defender and into the back of the net. The goal was Burke’s second consecutive, counting regular season play, with the former Kitsap Puma (PDL) star netting his first goal of the season Saturday night in USL PRO season over Wilmington.

Colorado quickly responded, with a defensive turnover leading to the equalizer. Rapids’ Midfielder Kamani Hill jumped on a bad pass by the Orlando backline in the 17^th minute, putting his attempt past Goalkeeper Miguel Gallardo to even the game at 1-1.

After finishing out the first half tied, Orlando began the second half on the attack. In the 48^th minute, Burke surged down the right hand side- floating a ball to a waiting Dom Dwyer on the back post. The USL PRO leading scorer whipped his header attempt into the back left corner, giving the Lions a 2-1 lead.

Orlando continued to push forward, resulting in a costly mistake by Colorado Goalkeeper Steward Ceus in the 57^th minute. After getting free past the Rapids backline, Dwyer had a 1-on-1 with Ceus, with the goalkeeper making a last-ditch effort by tackling the Cuckfield, native, just outside the 6-yard box. The tackle resulted in a straight red, leaving the Rapids down a man heading into the final 30 minutes of the match.

It didn’t take long for Orlando to capitalize on the man-up advantage. Former Orlando City U23s Midfielder Adama Mbengue played a great ball through to Long Tan on the edge of the box in the 63^rd minute, with the former DC United Striker finding Dwyer on the reception of his pass. Dwyer converted past the newly-subbed Clint Irwin for the 3-1 lead. Orlando controlled possession to close out the match, topping the Rapids with the final score 3-1.

The win marked a few firsts for the Lions, including the club’s first win over an MLS side in Open Cup play and first time advancing to the 4^th round of competition.

At time of distribution, the winner of the Des Moines Menace (PDL) and Sporting Kansas City (MLS) was not determined. Whichever club wins will play Orlando in the 4^th round, with the Lions traveling to Sporting Park to play SKC in case the MLS club prevails while hosting the PDL side in Orlando if the Menace win. The match will be on Wednesday, June 12. Orlando is the official USL PRO affiliate of Sporting KC.

Orlando City Match Recap

Team 1 2 Final

Orlando City SC 1 2 3

Colorado Rapids 1 0 1

Scoring Summary:

ORL- Bryan Burke (unassisted) 4^th

COL- Kamani Hill (unassisted) 18^th

ORL- Dom Dwyer (Bryan Burke) 48^th

ORL- Dom Dwyer (Long Tan) 63^rd

Lineups/Substitutions:

Orlando City- Miguel Gallardo, Yann Songo’o, Bryan Burke, Luke Boden, Rob Valentino, Anthony Pulis, James O’Connor, Kevin Molino, Adama Mbengue (Jamie Watson 67), Dom Dwyer, Long Tan (Dennis Chin 76)

Colorado Rapids- Steward Ceus, Marvell Wynne, Shane O’Neill, German Mera, Anthony Wallace, Dillon Powers, Nick LaBrocca (Atiba Harris 72), Kamani Hill (Deshorn Brown 66), Tony Cascio, Kevin Harbottle (Clint Irwin 58), Danny Mwanga

Penalty Summary:

ORL- Anthony Pulis (Yellow) 32^nd

COL- Shane O’Neill (Yellow) 36^th

COL- Steward Ceus (Red) 56^th

ORL- Adama Mbengue (Yellow) 65^th

COL- Atiba Harris (Yellow) 80^th

Match Facts:

Kickoff: 7:30 p.m.

Weather: Clear/Cloudy

Attendance: 4,128

About Orlando City Soccer Club:

Orlando City Soccer Club (OCSC) is a premier professional soccer sports franchise in the United States and is a member of the USL PRO. The Lion’s pro team has won two regular season titles and one postseason championship during their short time in Orlando. Outside of the pro squad, OCSC also has their own youth club, Orlando City Youth Soccer (OCYS) and a U23s team that participates in the PDL. For more information on the pro and youth clubs, visit www.orlandocitysoccer.com and www.orlandocityyouth.org.

Orlando City U23s Kickoff Season With US Open Cup

Orlando City U23s Kickoff Season With US Open Cup Tuesday, May 14

2012 PDL Southern Conference Champs play VSI Tampa Bay at Seminole Soccer Complex

The 2012 PDL Southern Conference Champion Orlando City U23s kickoff the 2013 season in the 100^th edition of the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup on Tuesday, May 14^th at the Seminole Soccer Complex in Sanford, Fla. The U23s will face USL PRO side VSI Tampa Bay FC in the first round of the knockout tournament after winning the Southern Conference title in the 2012 season.

“We are excited to play our opening game this season against VSI,” said Head Coach Paul Shaw. “They are a tough and organized team but we will be ready.”

The U23s are a key component of the Orlando City developmental structure and will employ the same system as the pro side, providing familiarity for players who receive a call up from Head Coach Adrian Heath. First team players Adama Mbengue and Jonathan Mendoza were the first two to receive the nod from Heath, and Shaw has made it clear that his main focus is continuing to develop players while also building upon the success generated from last year’s Final Four run. The U23s fell short, 2-1, to the Carolina Dynamo in last year’s semi-finals, but marked their first appearance in the Final Four since the 2004 season.

The Lamar Hunt US Open Cup is the oldest ongoing national soccer competition in the United States and is open to United States Soccer Federation (USSF) affiliated teams. The Open Cup was first held in 1913, with this year marking the centennial edition of the tournament. This year’s field is made up of 68 teams, with the event beginning on May 7 with a play-in round consisting of teams from lower-level leagues around the country.

Squaring up against a USL PRO team this early in the season side will certainly align with Shaw’s views, as it will provide valuable experience for the Lions heading into their first regular season match against IMG Bradenton Academics on May 19 at Seminole Soccer Complex. Representing the U23s this year are top players from universities throughout the United States, such as Clemson, Georgetown and the College of Charleston. Striker Nicolas Russo will also join the U23s this season after spending a sufficient amount of time in training with the first team.

The match against VSI will kick off at 7 p.m. and tickets will be sold for $8 for adults and $5 for kids. Similar to the pro side, the TPASS grants access into all regular season home games, but is not valid for Open Cup matches.

The pro team will enter the tournament in the second round of play on Tuesday, May 21^st. The opponent and venue of the game will be determined in the upcoming weeks. The Lions fell to eventual Open Cup Champions and current Major League Soccer (MLS) affiliate Sporting Kansas City last year 3-2 at Sporting Park.

About Orlando City Soccer Club:

Orlando City Takes on Seattle Sounders Reserves Sunday Night

Orlando City first match against MLS Reserve League

squad this Sunday in Tacoma, Washington

After capping off a 7-2 victory Saturday night, Orlando City (5-1-1, 16 points) travels to Tacoma, Washington, to face the Seattle Sounders Reserves on Sunday, May 12, at Cheney Stadium. The game marks the first reserve-league match of the season for the Lions in the 2013 season, with kickoff set for 7 p.m. EST.

The Sounders Reserves are 1-1-1 through three games played in the 2013 MLS Reserve League. Seattle topped the San Jose Earthquakes Reserves 2-1 in their last match at Starfire Stadium, capturing their first win of the Reserve League season. The inter-league match between the Sounders and Lions will count toward each team’s respective league tables as per an agreement made between Major League Soccer (MLS) and USL PRO in the offseason.

The Lions are heading into the week coming off a 7-2 win over visiting Antigua Barracuda FC. The game set franchise records in biggest goal differential (+5) and goals scored (7) in any USL PRO match since the team began play in 2011. Sporting Kansas City loanee and Orlando City SC Forward Dom Dwyer scored his first hat trick in Orlando colors in just 40 minutes, leading the team to the dominant victory.

Orlando City Head Coach Adrian Heath commented on the striker’s play after the match, saying he is impressed so far with the Cuckfield, England, native’s play.

“Dom’s got a history of scoring goals,” said Heath. “He looks as though he’s going to score every time he plays.”

The Seattle match marks the beginning of a three-game road swing for Orlando, who continues on to play away against the Harrisburg City Islanders and Rochester Rhinos on May 17 and May 18, respectively. The upcoming three road games is the only time the Lions will play a trio of matches away from Fifth Third Bank Field at the Florida Citrus Bowl, where they are 4-0-0 in 2013.

Rescheduled Match Set for Wednesday, August 7

Rescheduled Match Set for Wednesday, August 7

Orlando City to Honor Tickets From Cancelled Match vs. VSI Tampa Bay FC

ORLANDO, Fla.— Orlando City SC, in coordination with VSI Tampa Bay FC, USL PRO and the City of Orlando, announced Friday that the rescheduled match from Tuesday night will be played on Wednesday, August 7, at Fifth Third Bank Field at the Florida Citrus Bowl. Kickoff for the match will be at 7:30 p.m.

The news comes after Orlando announced it will honor all tickets from Tuesday night’s game for the re-match on August 7. Fans can use the tickets from the cancelled match on April 30th to gain entry into the rescheduled game.

The City of Orlando owned and controlled parking lots will also honor its parking stubs from the 4/30 match against VSI Tampa Bay with the rescheduled game. Fans are required to present their stubs and bring it with them to the rescheduled game against VSI Tampa Bay. Stubs will not be counted for other Orlando City regular season matches and friendlies in 2013.

After an hour delay Tuesday night, team and league officials called the game just before 8:30 p.m. due to an incoming severe weather system that would not allow play to occur. Orlando is currently 4-1-1 (13 points) through six games played in the 2013 USL PRO regular season, good for first place in the league table.

About Orlando City Soccer Club:

Orlando City Completes Homestand Saturday vs. Antigua

First match against Antigua Barracuda FC in 2013 this Saturday in Orlando

Orlando, Fla.— Orlando City (4-1-1, 13 points) hosts Antigua Barracuda FC (0-3-0, 0 points) this Saturday, May 4, at Fifth Third Bank Field at the Florida Citrus Bowl, with kickoff set for 7:30 p.m. After Tuesday night’s match was cancelled due to severe weather, Orlando looks toward Saturday as the Lions wrap up their first homestand of the 2013 USL PRO regular season.

Orlando is currently undefeated at home through the beginning of the 2013 USL PRO season, winning all three of their matches played in Central Florida. The Lions have an impressive goal differential of +7 in the three home matches played, scoring 10 goals while only allowing three.

The Antigua match also marks the beginning of matches in the month of May for the Lions, who travel to play the Seattle Sounders Reserves on Sunday, May 12, to kick off a three-game road swing that lasts the majority of the month of May. The Sounders Reserves match is the first of two for Orlando against the Reserve League side, with the game counting in each team’s respective league tables.

The match between Orlando City SC and VSI Tampa Bay FC was cancelled due to severe weather just before 8:30 p.m. Tuesday night. After an hour delay, team and league officials called the game due to an incoming severe weather system that would not allow play to occur. The match will be rescheduled at a future date, which is currently to be determined.

MATCH RECAP: Orlando Blanks Dayton 4-0

Orlando Blanks Dayton 4-0 In Front of Regular-Season Record Crowd

9,589 fans witness Orlando top visiting Dayton, Dwyer notches brace in win

Team 1 2 Final

Orlando City 3 1 4

Dayton Dutch Lions 0 0 0

Scoring Summary:

ORL- Dennis Chin (Jamie Watson) 28^th

ORL-Dom Dwyer (Rob Valentino 34^th

ORL-Jamie Watson (penalty) 39^th

ORL- Dom Dwyer (Mbengue) 72^nd

ORLANDO, Fla.—Led by three first-half goals, Orlando City (4-1-1, 13 points) handed the visiting Dayton Dutch Lions (2-1-0, 6 points) their first loss of the season 4-0 Saturday night in front of a regular-season record 9,589 fans at Fifth Third Bank Field at the Florida Citrus Bowl. The win gives the Lions a 3-0-0 home record in USL PRO regular season play as Orlando continues their home stand Tuesday night against VSI Tampa Bay.

“It was a very good, professional performance tonight,” said Orlando City Head Coach Adrian Heath. “I’m proud of the boys.“

Dayton, who won their first two games of the season coming into Orlando, played the Lions tough early on. The Ohio-based side held strong defensive lines as an attempt to disrupt forward movement by Orlando, but as the first half went on the Lions began to find breaks.

After multiple chances by the Lions frontline, Orlando broke through in the 28^th minute with a goal from Forward Dennis Chin. The 2012 USL PRO Scoring Champion, who was making his first start for Orlando in the 2013 regular season, slotted home a score after Midfielder Jamie Watson found the striker in stride past the Dayton backline. Chin chipped the Watson feed up and over Dutch Lions’ Goalkeeper Matt Williams for the 1-0 advantage.

Once the first score occurred, Orlando opened up the match. Defender Rob Valentino found Sporting Kansas City loanee and Forward Dom Dwyer in the box in the 34^th minute, with the former USF Bull finding the back of the net after eluding Dayton’s backline for his fourth goal of the season and 2-0 advantage.

Just five minutes later, Dwyer again found himself in scoring position only for a Dayton defender to trip him inside the 18 yard box, awarding the Lions a penalty kick. Watson, who came into the game leading the league in overall points, calmly converted the attempt in the lower right-hand corner to give the Lions a 3-0 lead heading into the half.

Orlando continued to press in the second half, showing no let-up from the first 45 minutes of play. It was again Dwyer who scored for the Lions, weaving his way past a Dayton defender on the left side of the pitch in the 72^nd minute for his brace and the 4-0 advantage. The 4-0 scoreline tied the franchise’s largest goal differential in a regular season match (+4), with the game ending in the same tally.

Orlando quickly turns their attention to a home match this Tuesday, April 30, against expansion side VSI Tampa Bay. Tampa (3-3-0, 9 points) has won two out of their last three coming into Tuesday night’s match, which marks the first-ever meeting between the two Florida clubs.

The 9,589 fans Saturday night marks the second-straight week in which Orlando City set a regular-season attendance record. The previous week, 9,140 came out to see the Lions top LA 3-2, a record in its own right.

Lineups/Substitutions:

Orlando City- GK Sean Kelley, Defenders Bryan Burke, Rob Valentino, Yann Songo’o, Luke Boden, M Kevin Molino (Jonathan Mendoza 76), James O’Connor (Freddie Braun 70), Anthony Pulis, Jamie Watson (Adama Mbengue 72), F Dennis Chin (Long Tan 81), Dom Dwyer (Jean Alexandre 81)

Dayton- GK Matt Williams, D Taylor Lord (Jeremy Cheeseman 83), Greg Preciado, Shintaro Harada, Shane Smith M Joel Delass, Irakli Khutsidze (Tjeed Westdijk 72), Brock Granger, Gibson Bardsley (Joseph Madigan 56), F Brandon Swartzendruber (Remco Klasse 56), Eric Kissinger (Ryan Grothaus 84)

Penalty Summary:

DAY- Joel Delass (Yellow) 47^th

Match Facts:

Time of Match: 7:30 p.m. EST

Weather: Clear

Attendance: 9,589

For more information on Tuesday night’s match, visit Orlandocitysoccer.com.

About Orlando City Soccer Club:

Orlando City Match Cancelled Due to Severe Weather

Orlando City Match Cancelled Due to Severe Weather

Rescheduled match against VSI Tampa Bay TBD

ORLANDO, Fla.—The match between Orlando City SC and VSI Tampa Bay FC was cancelled due to severe weather just before 8:30 p.m. Tuesday night at Fifth Third Bank Field at the Florida Citrus Bowl. After an hour delay, team and league officials called the game due to an incoming severe weather system that would not allow play to occur. The match will be rescheduled at a future date, which is currently to be determined.

Tickets for tonight’s match will be valid for the rescheduled game. For more information on tickets, fans can call 855-ORL-CITY.

The Lions now turn their attention toward Saturday, May 4, against Antigua Barracuda FC. The Barracudas are currently 0-3-0 through three games in 2013. The Lions are 5-1-0 all-time against Antigua, with their only loss coming at home in 2011, the last time Orlando has lost at home in the regular season.

For more information on Saturday’s match, visit Orlandocitysoccer.com.

Orlando City Faces Dayton at Home Saturday Night at 7:30 p.m.

Lions on 20-game home unbeaten streak during regular season play

Orlando, Fla.— After earning a point on the road in Charlotte, N.C., Tuesday night, Orlando (3-1-1, 10 points) comes back to Central Florida for a three-game homestand starting this Saturday night against the Dayton Dutch Lions (1-0-0, 3 points) at Fifth Third Bank Field at the Florida Citrus Bowl. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. as the Lions look to extend their 20-game home unbeaten streak in USL PRO regular season play at the Citrus Bowl.

The Lions drew against the Charlotte Eagles late Tuesday night, moving Orlando up to top spot in league standings with 10 points through five games played. A goal by Dom Dwyer in the 8th minute put Orlando up early, only for a late equalizer by Eagles’ Midfielder Nathan Thornton in the 90th minute allowing Charlotte to grab the tie and win from the Lions.

Orlando topped the visiting LA Blues 3-2 in front of a regular-season record crowd of 9,140 in their last home match at Fifth Third Bank Field. Midfielder Jamie Watson, who was named the USL PRO player of the Week Tuesday, was involved with all three goals as Orlando avenged their only loss of the young season.

Orlando is 2-0-4 all-time against Dayton, who plays their second match of the season on Friday in Plant City, Fla., against expansion VSI Tampa Bay. The team is coached by Patrick Bal with Gibson Bardsley and Remco Klaasse leading the team in scoring with one goal a piece. Their lone win came against Pittsburgh on April 20, topping the Riverhounds 2-1.

The Lions then continue their homestand this Tuesday, April 30, at 7:30 p.m. against fellow Florida side VSI Tampa Bay. Pregame festivities including a concert by local band Posterra. For more information on this week’s upcoming matches, visit Orlandocitysoccer.com.

About Orlando City Soccer Club:

Orlando City Faces LA Blues Today!

Orlando City Faces Top-Place LA Blues Today at 7:30 p.m.

Lions look for win over Blues after early season loss on Friday at Fifth Third Bank Field at the Florida Citrus Bowl

Orlando City continues their home stand this Friday, April 19^th, against the LA Blues at Fifth Third Bank Field at the Florida Citrus Bowl with kick off set for 7:30 p.m. The two met last week in California, with the Lions upended 1-0 by the upstart Blues on their second road match in three days to begin the regular season.

“We haven’t strung a full 90 together that we’ve all been proud of, but we’re improving,” said Orlando City Head Coach Adrian Heath. “I feel that we’re getting into some sort of rhythm and we’re looking forward to the game on Friday.”

The Lions (2-1-0, 6 points) most recently topped Rochester 3-1 at their home opener on Sunday night. Inclement weather caused the game to be delayed nearly two hours, with Dom Dwyer, Long Tan and Jamie Watson scoring for Orlando after the long delay for the win.

LA (3-1-0, 9 points) stands at the top of the table through the early 2013 USL PRO Season. Orlando fell to the Blues last week 1-0 at Cal State Fullerton Titan Stadium in Fullerton, Calif. A goal in the 80th minute from former Orlando Striker George Davis IV put LA on top, giving them their first-ever victory over the Lions in franchise history.

Orlando is 2-1-1 all-time against LA, with Heath stating this year’s Blues squad is much improved over last season’s team.

“I told the guys before we played LA the first time that the Blues are going to be a lot better than last year,” Heath added. “The coach and GM are serious football people over there and we expect them to be strong.”

Gates open at 6:30 p.m. Friday, with pregame festivities including a concert by local band The Crazy Carls. Friday night’s game will be live streamed on USLNation.com. For more information on Friday’s match, visit Orlandocitysoccer.com.

Orlando City Wins Rain-Delayed Home Opener 3-1

Forwards Long Tan, Dom Dwyer, Jamie Watson score in home-opener victory Sunday night

Orlando City began their home schedule in winning style Sunday night, topping the visiting Rochester Rhinos 2-0 at Fifth Third Bank Field at the Florida Citrus Bowl. The Lions (2-1-0) and Rhinos (0-2-0) had to withstand a combined two hours of stoppage due to severe weather in the area as Orlando took home their second win of the young 2013 USL PRO season.

“I was confident that if we scored the first goal we’d be ok,” said Orlando City Head Coach Adrian Heath. “I love playing in the rain because the pace of the game picks up, so besides the wind I thought the conditions were fine.”

A steady rain came down on the field at the start of the game, making for a fast-paced match between the two clubs. In the 13^th minute, Orlando got their first scoring chance of the game as Sporting KC and Orlando City Forward Dom Dwyer found 2012 USL PRO MVP Kevin Molino behind the Rochester backline.

Molino’s effort went off the right post after Rhino Goalkeeper Kristian Nicht was lured out of his box due to the danger, with the pressure from Orlando continuing through the beginning of the first half.

But as the rain continued and thunderclouds began to roll in, the match was postponed due to severe weather in the area in the 21^st minute. The break lasted a total of 56 minutes, with the match resuming at 7:24 p.m. only to be postponed again minutes later. The game finally got underway at 8:30 p.m., totalling close to a two-hour delay.

When play finally resumed, Orlando continued their strong pace of passing and possession. Midfielder Jamie Watson nearly capitalized on a chance in the 37^th minute, finding an open lane just outside the 18-yard mark with his attempt just missing the far post. The attacking continued, with it paying off for the Lions in stoppage time of the first 45. After Kevin Molino followed up an attempt from Dwyer, Tan found the rebound – blasting his attempt past Nicht for the 1-0 lead.

The Lions didn’t let up in the beginning of the second half, jumping on the Rochester backline to score the second goal of the game. Winger Bryan Burke placed a well-played cross to a charging Dom Dwyer in the 47^th minute, who easily slotted home his second goal of the season to give Orlando the 2-0 advantage.

Watson continued the scoring for Orlando in the 62^nd minute, cleaning up a loose ball in the Rhinos’ box for the 3-0 advantage. Rochester scored in the 90^th minute of play as Forward Blake Brettschneider lofted his shot up and over Orlando Goalkeeper Jon Kempin. The score was too little, too late, however, with the Lions taking home the victory 3-1.

Orlando continues home play this Friday, April 19^th, against the LA Blues. Orlando has already played the California-based squad this season, falling 1-0 on the road in Fullerton, Calif. Blues’ Forward George Davis scored the lone goal in the 80^th minute for LA, propelling them to the home win. The Lions are 2-1-1 all time against the Blues in four meetings between the two clubs.

For more information on the Friday’s match, visit Orlandocitysoccer.com.

About Orlando City Soccer Club:

Orlando Travels To Face Los Angeles Blues Wednesday

Orlando Travels To Face Los Angeles Blues Wednesday

Lions look for second straight win to begin 2013 USL PRO season in LA Wednesday night

Orlando, Fla.— Fresh off a comeback win Sunday night in Tempe, Ariz., to kick off the 2013 USL PRO regular season, Orlando City SC travels further west to square off against the Los Angeles Blues Wednesday night at Cal State Fullerton Stadium in Fullerton, Calif. Kickoff is set for 8 p.m. EST. The Lions defeated Phoenix FC to begin the regular season, scoring three unanswered to top the Wolves 3-1.

The LA Blues have played two games in the young USL PRO season, topping Phoenix FC 2-0 on March 23^rd to kick off the season before falling to VSI Tampa Bay FC 0-1 on April 2^nd. George Davis IV, a former Orlando City forward, has one of the two goals scored for the Blues in 2013, with the other coming from Midfielder Christopher Cortez.

The Blues are coached by Dr. Jesus Rico-Sanz, a former Real Madrid youth player as well as former Vanlose IF coach and player in Denmark’s Second Division. He joined the Blues this past offseason, looking to turn the team around from a 9-3-12 season in 2012.

After starting the game down a goal to the expansion Phoenix side Sunday night, Orlando quickly regained composure- scoring three unanswered goals in the 35^th, 67^th and 87^th minutes. Sporting Kansas City loanee and Forward Dom Dwyer tied the match in the 35^th minute, with a wonderfully placed ball by Jamie Watson finding the striker in stride, heading it in to level the score line at 1-1.

The second half provided more scoring opportunities and chances for the Lions, including goals from Long Tan and Kevin Molino in the 67^th and 87^th minutes, respectively.

Wednesday night’s game will be live streamed on USLNation.com beginning at 8 p.m. For more information on Wednesday’s away game in Los Angeles and the upcoming home opener this Sunday, April 14, at Fifth Third Bank Field at the Florida Citrus Bowl against the Rochester Rhinos, visit Orlandocitysoccer.com.

Match Recap: Orlando Scores Three Unanswered, Wins 2013 USL PRO Opener in Arizona

Orlando Scores Three Unanswered, Wins 2013 USL PRO Opener in Arizona

Goals by Dwyer, Tan and Molino propel Lions comeback victory in regular season opener

Tempe, Ariz.— Orlando City SC kicked off the 2013 USL PRO season opener in comeback fashion, defeating expansion side Phoenix FC 3-1 at the Sun Devil Soccer Stadium in Tempe, Ariz. Sunday night. After being down 1-0 in the opening part of the match, the Lions scored three unanswered to take the victory and three points to begin the 2013 regular season.

The match in Tempe began with scoring chances for the Lions, including a free kick resulting from a controversial challenge by Phoenix Goalkeeper Andrew Weber. The former Seattle Sounder took down a charging Dom Dwyer outside the 18-yard box, giving the keeper an early yellow card. The Lions couldn’t connect on the ensuing corner, but kept control early on against the expansion side.

Phoenix responded with attacks of their own, capitalizing in the 16^th minute. Speedy Midfielder Diego Faria caught the Lions sleeping just past the 15 minute mark, beating Goalkeeper and Sporting Kansas City loanee Jon Kempin after intercepting a pass from the Orlando backline to give his expansion club an early 1-0 lead.

After the early goal, Orlando settled down in the later part of the first half– nearly capitalizing on multiple chances before finally breaking through in the 35^thminute. Forward Jamie Watson found a clear lane on the right side of the pitch outside the 18-yard mark, with his pass curling in and finding a charging Dom Dwyer in stride. The Sporting loanee headed the ball past Weber, tying the match at 1-1.

The Lions came out in the second half with increased energy and fight, controlling possession for the majority of the second half. Head Coach Adrian Heath made a crucial change in the 63^rd minute, subbing in former DC United Striker Long Tan to push the attack – which is exactly what the Chinese forward did.

After a well-played through ball by 2012 USL PRO MVP Kevin Molino, Tan took care of the rest – chipping his attempt up and over Weber to give the Lions the 2-1 advantage.

Orlando wasn’t done scoring, converting their third straight after Molino found space on the righthand side, blasting his shot home to give Orlando the comfortable 3-1 lead in the closing part of the match.

Orlando now heads further west to meet the L.A. Blues for a Wednesday night matchup at Cal State Fullerton Titan Stadium. The match was originally scheduled for 7 p.m. but has moved back one hour to 8 p.m. EST kick off time. The Blues are 1-1-0 through two games in the young USL PRO season, topping Phoenix 2-0 in the league opener on March 23 before falling to VSI Tampa Bay FC 0-1 on April 2. The match will be live streamed on USLNation.

For more information on Wednesday’s away game in Los Angeles and the upcoming home opener this Sunday, April 14, at Fifth Third Bank Field at the Florida Citrus Bowl against the Rochester Rhinos, visit Orlandocitysoccer.com.

About Orlando City Soccer Club:

Orlando Signs Former Goalkeeper Kelley, Gallardo Out 4-6 Weeks

Orlando Signs Former Goalkeeper Kelley, Gallardo Out 4-6 Weeks

Team adds familiar face as team captain out with injury

ORLANDO—Orlando City SC announced Wednesday that the team has signed former backup Goalkeeper Sean Kelley, pending USSF approval. The move comes as starting Goalkeeper and Team Captain Miguel Gallardo sustained a knee injury in training and will be out 4-6 weeks. The team begins the 2013 USL PRO season away against expansion franchise Phoenix FC on Sunday, April 7 with kickoff set for 10:30 p.m. EST.

“We hope Miguel has a speedy recovery,” said Orlando City Head Coach Adrian Heath. “But we are lucky to have Sean with us. He’s been with us and knows the team. It’s a great opportunity for him and it’s good to have him back.“

Kelley is familiar to Heath’s system, signing with the team in 2010 in Austin, Texas, and moving with the franchise to Orlando in 2011. The backup famously came in for Gallardo in the 2011 USL PRO Championship game, making key saves in the penalty shootout against the Harrisburg City Islanders to help secure the league championship. The Kentucky native appeared in four matches for the Lions in 2012, recording an 0.571 Goals Against Average (GAA) and two shutouts.

Kelley, along with new Sporting Kansas City loanee Jon Kempin, will have to fill in for the injured Gallardo for the beginning of the 2013 USL PRO season. Gallardo appeared in 21 games for the Lions in 2012, leading the league is GAA (.780) while recording eight clean sheets. The 2011 USL PRO Goalkeeper of the Year holds the record for clean sheets in a season with 11 in 2011.

Acquisition: Orlando City SC (USL PRO) Signs Goalkeeper Sean Kelley

Birthday: 04/15/1988

Height: 6’5”

College: George Mason

About Orlando City Soccer Club:

MATCH RECAP: Orlando Captures Inaugural I-4 Derby Title Over Tampa Bay Rowdies

Orlando Captures Inaugural I-4 Derby Title Over Tampa Bay Rowdies

Team 1 2 Final (Aggregate)

Orlando City 2 1 3 (6)

Tampa Bay Rowdies 1 1 2 (4)

Scoring Summary:

ORL- Kevin Molino (Adama Mbengue) 5^th

ORL-Adama Mbengue (unassisted) 32^nd

TB- Takuya Yamade (penalty) 41^st

TB- Amani Walker (unassisted) 52^nd

ORL-Dom Dwyer (unassisted) 90th

Lineups:

Orlando City- GK: Jon Kempin, D Bryan Burke, Yann Songo’o, Rob Valentino, Luke Boden, M James O’Connor, Christian Duke, Kevin Molino, Adama Mbengue F Jamie Watson (Dennis Chin 73’), Dom Dwyer

Tampa Bay– GK Andrew Fontein, D Frankie Sanfilippo, Takuya Yamada, Daniel Scott Raphael Cox, M Evans Frimpong, Luke Mullholland, Stuart Campbell, Devin Del Do, F Georgi Hristov, Amani Walker

Match Facts:

Time of Match: 7:30 p.m.

Weather: Clear

Orlando Captures Inaugural I-4 Derby Title Over Tampa Bay Rowdies

Lions win 6-4 on aggregate, capturing inaugural I-4 Derby Championship in St. Petersburg

Orlando, Fla.— Orlando City SC took down the Tampa Bay Rowdies 3-2 Saturday night at Al Lang Field in St. Petersburg, Fla., capturing the inaugural I-4 Derby presented by United World Soccer on aggregate 6-4. More than 150 Orlando City supporters travelled to see the Lions hoist the I-4 trophy, which wraps up the 2013 preseason for the Lions.

“It was an unbelievable atmosphere,” said Orlando City Head Coach Adrian Heath. “I’m pleased for our players as they worked really hard tonight, and I’m really pleased for the supporters as they’ve been unbelievable. This one is for them.“

The Lions didn’t take very long to get on the scoreboard, with a well placed through ball by Midfielder Adama Mbengue to a charging Kevin Molino giving Orlando the early advantage. The 2012 USL PRO MVP found the pass in stride right outside the 18-yard box from Mbengue, rounding Rowdies Goalkeeper Andrew Fontein in the 5^th minute to put the Lions up 1-0.

Orlando kept pushing on the attack, with it paying off in the 32^nd minute. Forward and Sporting loanee Dom Dwyer blasted a shot that was deflected by Tampa’s Fontein, only for Mbengue to put in the follow up – giving Orlando the two goal advantage.

Tampa responded just before halftime, with a penalty kick conversion by Defender Tayuka Yamada in the 41^st cutting down the Lions’ lead to one. Defender Rob Valentino entangled with a Tampa striker inside the Orlando18-yard box, with the referee pointing to the penalty spot immediately after both fell from the collision. Yamada slid it by Goalkeeper Jon Kempin, who made his first start for Orlando since being loaned from affiliate Sporting Kansas City, to give the Rowdies some hope before half.

Tampa kicked off the second half with another score, this time from Forward Amani Walker. The striker received a well-placed chip from a Rowdies midfielder, placing it past Kempin to tie the match at 2-2 in the 50^th minute.

After the Rowdies quick two scores, Orlando’s defense tightened in the later part of the second half, not allowing Tampa to gain solid footing on the offensive side of the ball. A late goal by Dwyer secured the win and championship for Orlando, slotting the ball from 18 yards out in the 90^th minute to give Orlando the 3-2 advantage and 6-4 on aggregate.

Orlando now turns their attention to the 2013 USL PRO regular season, with the Lions traveling to Sun Devil Stadium on the campus of Arizona State University to face expansion side Phoenix FC on Sunday, April 7. The match will be streamed on UNation. For more information leading up to the regular season opener in Phoenix, visit Orlandocitysoccer.com.

Photo Credit: Matt May/Tampa Bay Rowdies, Austin Hittel/Orlando City SC

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Release: Soccer Foundation Aims To Build Soccer Fields In Downtown Orlando

Orlando City Soccer Foundation Aims To Build Soccer Fields In Downtown Orlando

OCSF kicking off 2013 with special initiatives that include Parramore area and player outreach

ORLANDO, Fla. – The Orlando City Soccer Foundation (OCSF) kicks off 2013 with exciting initiatives to give back to the Orlando community through outreach programs and services targeted at children and families, including building two soccer fields in the Parramore area. The soccer fields, which would be lit, outdoor turf pitches, are meant to provide a safe place to play while promoting healthy lifestyles.

“Reaching out to our local community using the powerful platform of sport is imperative,” said Foundation Chair Kay Rawlins. “Our main focus is promoting a healthy lifestyle for children, such as eating healthy and engaging in exercise. The project is important because it will provide a safe place to play for kids in the community while also teaching them about a healthy lifestyle.”

Through an ongoing process with the US Soccer Foundation, OCSF has targeted Parramore, which is located near downtown Orlando. Providing a soccer facility in the neighborhood will offer children a free and safe place to play, and would be the only soccer facility located in the neighborhood. OCSF hopes to announce that funding has been secured by the end of 2013, with construction starting immediately afterwards.

Placing the two soccer-field facility in Parramore serves as a catalyst to other great benefits for the neighborhood. The Foundation will hire coaches and other necessary staff members to help facilitate soccer activities and maintain the fields. These coaches will provide free guidance and tips for children on the field as well as important life skills that they can use off it.

The Foundation plans on fulfilling other civic duties to the community, such as going to local schools and youth groups to advocate staying active and eating healthy. Many players have already partnered with existing non-profits and civic organizations including ROCK, Easter Seals Disability Services and New Image Youth Center (NIYC). Additionally, team members will provide free soccer clinics for children as part of an ongoing relationship with the NIYC.

“This year will be full of promise,” Rawlins added. “We want to start our initiatives in the heart of Parramore, which will hopefully start a trickle effect throughout Orlando. Preparing the children for the future is something that the whole city of Orlando should be involved in.”

OCSF is a 501 ©3 non-profit organization, and is dedicated to fulfilling the charitable objectives of Orlando City SC by providing outreach programs, services and initiatives for individuals and organizations in need. For more information, visit Orlandocitysoccer.com.

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