[Orlando, FL] After Saturday night’s game against the visiting Richmond Kickers, the Orlando City Lions remain unbeaten on the season. But it wasn’t easy, despite the fact that they already beat the Kickers once this season 2-0.
Richmond came to play in this one, and dominated the first half in front of 7,899 anxious fans at the Florida Citrus Bowl. Shots reigned in at Lions keeper Miguel Gallardo, who pretty much saved the draw for Orlando by stopping eight shots in the first half.
Gallardo did not return for the second half as he suffered a concussion in the first. Or was it shell shock?
The Lions’ fortunes changed in the second half after an aggressive substitution by Head Coach Adrian Heath brought four fresh footballers onto the field. Consequently, the Lions started to take over and press Richmond’s goal, but to no avail.
That is until the game clock hit 90 minutes and Kevin Molino‘s corner kick dropped right in front of the Kickers’ goal. After a little pinball wizardry, the ball was safely cleared from the area.
The game ended in a scoreless draw.
“Offensively we didn’t have too much life tonight,” said Heath. “I’m disappointed that we didn’t grab the win but a draw is a draw. We can do better than this.”
The Orlando City Lions are now 3-0-1 on the season. The team’s next game is Saturday, May 5, against the Pittsburgh Riverhounds at the Florida Citrus Bowl. Get tickets by calling (855) ORL-CITY or by visiting the team’s website here.
Alumni report: Former Orlando City Lions stand-out Lewis Neal has signed with Major League Soccer (MLS) team D.C. United.
“Lewis will provide us solid cover for us at a number of positions,” said United General Manager Dave Kasper via press release. “We look forward to his future contributions to the club.”
Other Lions alumni also roaring in the MLS: Yordany Alvarez (Real Salt Lake) and Lawrence Olum (Sporting Kansas City).
By: Mark Christopher/Sunshine Slate
Image: Orlando City Lions
Orlando City Lions
