[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.”
[Orlando, FL] The game had it all: a huge media build-up, incredible story lines, talented participants, high drama, players expelled mid-match, near brawls and a stadium (half) full of Central Florida soccer fans loving every minute of it. Fox Soccer Channel was even televising the game nationally, adding even more pressure and excitement to a game already boiling over.
The Florida Citrus Bowl stadium was about to witness one of the most exciting finishes in the building’s long history. And that says a lot for a building that has hosting games since 1936.
At the end, the Orlando City Lions would emerge victorious over the Harrisburg City Islanders on Saturday night, crowned USL Pro champs and write the final chapter in a once-in-a-lifetime soccer script starring the City Beautiful. But it almost didn’t happen …
The game started with several compelling story lines shaping the outcome even before the starting whistle had sounded. Three of the Islanders’ key components were not allowed to participate as midfielder Brian Ombiji, defender Andrew Marshall and head coach Bill Becher all received one-game suspensions for earning red cards in their previous match.
For Orlando, goal scorer Matt Luzunaris was called back up by the San Jose Sharks earlier in the week and unavailable for the team’s championship match. In addition, starting defender Kieron Bernard tore his hamstring last week and was unable to compete. His normal replacement – Demar Stewart – was also unavailable due to “family reasons.”
The First Half
The warm, end-of-summer night air was electric with Red City excitement as the Orlando City Lions were playing in their first final. In their first season of existence. That alone is a unique experience among fans of sports franchises. Very few have shot straight to the top right out of the gate.
But there was Orlando, playing in front of a franchise record crowd of 11,220 who wore mostly red on this glorious occasion.
Harrisburg tried to rattle the Lions early with tough physical play, with defender Stephen Basso getting an early yellow card for his efforts.
The yellow seemed to cool off the Islanders a bit and the game settled in and Orlando looking quite comfortable holding the ball for extended lengths of time. Orlando was trying to build up to getting the first goal of the game, which statistically – they were 15-0-3 after scoring first – would lead them to victory.
But City Islanders were an experienced, tough-nosed bunch who were used to playoff soccer and had a been-there, done-that demeanor about them. They were not going to be rattled easy.
Orlando was having a tough time getting a good shot on goal.
Play after play, Harrisburg seemed up to the challenge as Orlando had appeared to be unbeatable – they only lost once at home this season – and thoroughly dominating as of late. Of course, Harrisburg had to win a string of games to get to the finals, but Orlando had taken it to them during the regular season twice.
In fact it was Orlando that was failing to connect on some early passes when on the attack leading to visible frustration by some of the players not used to such scrappy play. So Orlando turned up the defensive heat and started to play more physical. More and more Harrisburg players began hitting the turf and shaking off the cobwebs after hard legal tackles.
It was going to be that kind of game. Plenty of good, hard-fought soccer, not a lot of mistakes. Fittingly, the crowd was loud and proud, sounding every bit as boisterous and bang-y as those assembled for a World Cup contest.
At the 19:00 mark, Harrisburg ripped a free kick that greatly concerned Orlando keeper Miguel Gallardo who was in full stretch as the ball sailed wide right. The crowd knew that one was a little too close for comfort.
What was stopping most of Orlando’s attacks was the offsides flag: the team was flagged for 3 offsides in the first 23 minutes of the game. Last week they had zero all game. Another offsides at 26:00 the crowd booed, not agreeing with the call. It wouldn’t be the first time the crowd let thew ref know that they did not agree with him.
Red City doesn’t like it when calls don’t go their way.
The best chance of the game came when Harrisburg midfielder David Schofield shot it over the goal – and through the outstretched arms of Gallardo – after a near-offsides play. The stadium noticeably went tense for a moment, then collectively exhaled after it cleared the post. The shot was an absolute rocket.
The Lions are called for offsides … again. The crowd groans again but the replay says the ref had it right.
Even with that near-miss by the City Islander, Orlando was in control, pressuring the goal more and developing more scoring opportunities. Uncharacteristically, Orlando’s service into the box was lacking – crosses were either off-target or sailing harmlessly out of bounds.
It was now 35 minutes into the half and still no score.
Now it was Harrisburg’s turn to press, then Orlando. The back and forth was as thrilling as it was maddening. Both teams were now enjoying chances at goal stopped by great defensive plays or unfortunate circumstances. Orlando seemed to have the exclusive rights to offsides calls.
The footwork of City Islanders forward Sainey Touray kept Orlando on it heels in the final minute of regulation with two minutes of stoppage time to go. Touray appeared as if he was going to dribble it right into the net.
Possibly a momentum killer for the visitors was the harsh tackle by Islander Jason Pellitier who upended a Lion and got him a yellow card for his overindulgence. No matter, the half was over and it was still 0-0.
The Second Half
Orlando charged into the second half with a sense of urgency, possibly on by spurred on during the halftime huddle by Coach Adrian Heath.
Orlando got off the first shot on goal, but it was a weak one. Then disaster struck – at the 48th minute, Orlando City goal keeper Miguel Gallardo is hit with a straight red card for taking down a charging Harrisburg attacker. Did that really just happen? The league’s best goalie was just booted from the game and Orlando would have to play the rest of this championship game with only ten men?
If there ever was a moment that could kill a dream, this was it. The crowd was upset, chanting the typical “bullshit” as is customary at this juncture in heated contests such as these. But the replay showed that it was well-deserved. Now how would it play out?
Orlando made some adjustments and brought in backup net minder Sean Kelley, who had two victories in two starts this season. But it was still 10 v 11 in Harrisburg’s favor.
Kelley would be introduced to the game early by Maxwell Griffin’s ground-level shot that went just left of the post. Then, another offsides call goes against Orlando. This was becoming a habit. Conspiracy theorists were starting to ask questions. They may have a point as that was not an obvious call.
The game surely opened up a lot now that the Lions were down to ten men. Harrisburg attacked as the OC countered. A great string of passes by the Lions left a wide open goal, but it was again called back for offsides.
Finally feeling the man advantage, Harrisburg started to flex their muscles about twelve minutes into the second half. City was still attacking, but it was all breakaways as Harrisburg dominated the ball.
Another offside – even the City players were starting to groan and throw up their hands. Kelley’s hands were kept busy, however as a pair of scrappy saves kept Orlando in game.
Harrisburg was starting to show off a bit, obviously feeling good about their chances and letting the fancy footwork and ball movement fly. Orlando was getting frustrated and, in the heat of the battle, midfielder Kevin Molina grabbed the jersey of a streaking Islander and was awarded a yellow.
It was now full sprint breakaways at both ends with both goalies seeing plenty of action, but no real threats. Just then Kelley charges outside of the box to take the ball from an attacking forward and saving the day. This kid can play.
Easily the best scoring chance of the match for Orlando so far: Midfielder Jamie Watson blows an open goal opportunity after having beaten City Island keeper Chase Harrison. A defender came out of nowhere to save the day. Watson, dejected and lying on the field, knows he should have hit it on goal first touch. Still 0-0.
Coach Heath is really working his players on the sideline, keeping their spirits up.
The crowd – just announced as an Orlando City Lions attendance record – is sensing that it needs to get involved and starts throwing streamers onto the field and directly at Harrisburg’s goalkeeper. Harrison is not amused.
Orlando’s Luke Boden has a nice rip from just outside the box, but chances were few and far between now. Watson and Molino are not working together anymore. Heath recognizes it and immediately subs out Watson. Man does he look fatigued.
This hard-fought battle is now coming down to the last twelve minutes of regulation. With tensions high, Harrisburg’s Andrew Welker is issued a yellow at the 77th minute. A single mistake could decide the game and everybody on the field knows it.
Surprisingly, Orlando is doing a better job of keeping the ball, even with being a man down. Then another counter-attack by Harrisburg yielding yet another daring edge-of-box save by Kelley at the 80th min. The kid’s fearless, I tell you.
The crowd was starting to look for someone on the field to step up and score a goal for Orlando. They decided Mechek Jerome was their man. As he received the ball 40 yards out, the crowd screamed almost in unison for the defender to blast it. He did, and it was a good shot, but it whizzed past Harrisburg goal post without really troubling Harrison.
Orlando called for another offsides, imagine that. 83 minutes in they have been rung up for twelve. The crowd, who up until this point was not too happy with the officiating, lost it when Harrison met an attacking Orlando City player just outside the box and appeared to deflect it with his hands.
No call was made. Was the fix in? Some started to wonder.
It was now 85 minutes into this contest and the players look drained, the back and forth pace starting to wear on them. The play is getting sloppier, but both keepers continue to make great saves. It was surely looking like this one was headed into OT.
And then, after an amazing build up, Orlando’s Lawrence Olum smashes one into the upper right corner of the goal at the 89th minute. The place went wild, literally exploding with joy, confetti, streamers and dance music. A goal never felt so good. They are actually going to win this thing. Midfielder Lewis Neal had the assist.
Emboldened, Orlando kept the ball as much as possible as the world waited for how much stoppage time was being added. Then, on a fabulous breakaway, Harrisburg’s keeper took out an Orlando player in a nearly mirror-image of what got Gallardo a red earlier in the game. Except this time, he was only given a yellow, perhaps because there were defenders behind him (unlike in the Gallardo case).
Two minutes into stoppage time and still no announcement. Then the dagger: five minutes of stoppage time. What? As the shock set in and the talk of conspiracies taking over the stadium – the yellow card, the stoppage time – Harrisburg took control and starting pressing. Hard.
Then, Orlando gets the ball back and starts to play keep away. Heath is excellent at soccer strategy. This feels good, i think we got this. Why won’t the ref blow his whistle?
Then Harrisburg earns a corner. Everyone on the field heads to the goal box, even the City Islanders keeper. The ball sails into the box, is fumbled around a bit and then – bam – just like that, it is tapped into the back of the net. You couldn’t even see who hit it in, although I hear it was JT Noone.
The replay showed that Orlando’s keeper was blocked out from the play which is not allowed under the rules, yet there was no call. Then just after restart, the whistle blew again for the end of the game.You mean Harrisburg tied the game in the last 20 seconds of stoppage time that went on way to long?
It was 1-1 and everybody in the stands could not believe what they had just witnessed. Usually it was Orlando who stunned crowds not the other way around.
Overtime
During the break, the anger swelled both on and off the field and aimed squarely at the referee who had not only added an extremely generous five minutes of stoppage time, but didn’t call the foul when their goalie was pushed out of the play. For the ref, this was now a hostile environment both on and off the field.
The Lions were now facing two 15 minute overtime periods. Their entire glorious season would come down to a 30 minute mini-game with the possibility of penalty kick shoot-out looming at the end of it.
Feeling dejected and still smarting after Harrisburg’s last-second heroics, the fans try to get back into the game as OT begins, but find it difficult. On the field, however, they are into the game a little too much as tempers flare and little pushes are given here and there as the pressure mounts.
This could get ugly real fast.
Then Harrisburg gets the first real chance of the first overtime period as City Islanders forward Morgan Langley storms into the area but is well defended, knocking the ball over the touchline. On the ensuing corner, Touray slips into the middle undetected and heads the ball past the keeper for a quick score.
It was now 2-1 and looking bleak for the home side. Harrisburg has scored two goals in 5 minutes and they certainly have the momentum – and USL playoff experience – going forward. Orlando City was gonna have to dig deep … and then dig even deeper to pull this one out.
Orlando’s squad was visibly wounded, although still showing some spark. They would need to score soon and not leave it all up until the end. Both teams exchanged shots but nothing that troubled either keeper.
At the twelve-minute mark, Harrisburg was looking clearly in command, with occasional flashes of brilliance from Orlando City. Then if by the grace of the soccer gods an amazing chance for the Lions but, again, offsides.
Have to keep trying, time was running out. And it just did. It was now halftime and the theme from Rocky was being blasted on the public address system.
The second half began much as the same as first with Harrisburg in control and Orlando sprinting down the filed on counterattacks. But then it happened, Orlando started to press unmercifully. To their credit, the City Islanders were keeping it together (and more importantly for them, the ball out of the net).
On the field, players were doing a lot of shoving and pushing, as one one would expect in this sort of situation. Nobody wanted to go home a loser. Another Orlando fast break close to the goal when,wham, the Lions player was brought down in the box but no whistle was blown. The crowd had had enough.
Once Harrison captured the ball, an Orlando player bumped him back out of his stance and the ref stormed in to stop what was appearing to erupt in an all-out melee. As the referee sorted things out, the fans let it be known that they were unhappy with the no-call, among other perceived atrocities.
In seconds, the field became the world’s largest garbage can as bottles and cans of all shapes and sizes made their way onto the pitch, surely thrown toward the ref and Harrison, who were well within striking distance. Team and field reps sprung into action removing the debris and motioning for the fans to stop throwing things onto the field.
Order was restored and an announcement was made that fans throwing items on the field will be ejected. Play resumed peacefully.
Close call after close call, but no goal for Orlando, who had clearly gained the momentum and the re-roar of the crowd. As that doomsday clock inched ever so closely to that 15:00 mark, you could feel the Red City faithful practically willing the ball down the field and into the net. It was on one such breakaway that Lions forward Dennis Chin was taken down by defender Jereritt Thayer in the box.
As Chin fell, all eyes turned toward the ref to see if he was going to call it. After a slight hesitation, he pointed to the spot and blew the whistle. Orlando had earned a penalty kick and a chance to save the season with just moments to spare.
After what seemed like an eternity, Neal took the kick and calmly put it past Harrison, and the Citrus Bowl went crazy. More music and streamers, less cans and bottles. Now tied 2-2, the game was seemingly headed to penalty kicks. Yep, there’s that whistle.
Image: Chris McEniry/Sunshine Slate Images
Penalty Kicks
With the crowd still buzzing after the last goal, it was a bit difficult to face what was coming next: the quiet tension of a shoot out. One of the most dreaded endings in sports. One missed kick can send your whole team back home as a loser.
Orlando started strong thanks to Kelley who literally saved the day by blocking the first two Harrisburg penalty kicks. Orlando scored their first two and were now up 2-0 with only three kicks to go.
Then Harrisburg gets one, Orlando misses. Harrisburg gets another one, Orlando misses. It was tied-up going into the final two kicks.
It would come down to Harrisburg star Touray missing his shot first, then Orlando’s Devorn Jorsling scoring his for Orlando to take the title. Orlando wins!!! Orlando wins the championship!!!
“You could not have had a better game,” said Orlando City owner Phil Rawlins after the epic match. “The record number of fans who came out tonight saw one for the history books. This is huge for Orlando, even bigger for Orlando City. … This is one that we will never forget.”
That’s for sure.
By: Mark Christoper/Sunshine Slate
Lead image: Chris McEniry/Sunshine Slate ImagesAll other images: Jim Bourhill for Sunshine Slate (unless otherwise noted)
[Orlando, FL] The game was supposed to be their toughest match-up of the season. It turned out to be a rout.
Now the upstart Orlando City Lions are headed to the USL PRO championship game, after defeating the Richmond Kickers 3-0 in a lopsided American Division Championship match that lacked the usual game-ending fireworks that Lions fans have come to expect. Though I’m sure none of the 8,304 in attendance at the Florida Citrus Bowl was complaining.
Orlando really is that good. They have proven it over and over again.
Richmond pressed early but all-star City keeper Miguel Gallardo was up to the task every time the Kickers threatened. Gallardo is a beast and we’ll be lucky if he doesn’t get snatched up by an MLS team next season.
Lions midfielder Lewis Neal taks it to the Kickers defense
Actually, the Lions first goal was a bit of a fluke – or fLuke if you will – as Luke Boden pin-balled a 20-yard shot off of a Kickers defender and into the net. There was nothing Richmond keeper Ronnie Pascale could do.
It just went downhill from there for the visitors as late in the first half, the Lions got another score. Defender Mechack Jerome notched his first goal of the season from 30 yards out, putting Orlando up 2-0.
“I got the shot I wanted,” Jerome said. “It was great to finally get a goal.” Indeed.
City defender Lamar Stewart in complete control
The home team went into the locker room in complete control of the game and with a comfortable lead.
Things didn’t get any better for Richmond in the second half as Orlando’s stifling defense kept the Kickers from developing anything meaningful, let alone keep possession for any length of time.
Then in the 70th minute, Dennis Chin fancy-footed past his defender and scored the Lions third goal of the game, essentially finishing off the Kickers and sending the Red City dwellers into the championship game. It was Chin’s third goal in three games and his second in the team’s historic post-season run.
City Head Coach Adrian Heath was quite pleased with his squad following the match.
“I thought that tonight we played at a level above the league we currently play in,” Heath said. “I am really satisfied with tonight’s result. We played composed football, which is something I am very proud of.”
“I think we played really really well,” continued Heath, speaking with Sunshine Slate. “And for a change for us, we’ve scored goals at important times. We’ve scored goals when we were on top. … I thought at the end we were going to score more.”
Heath also reminded the team in the post-game chat of what they had talked about six months ago, about getting into the championship match and winning the final.
The City Girls Dancers in formation after the game
“Here we are … one game away from it,” said Heath, almost as if the whole thing was by design.
Let’s hope it is, and that the team will be hoisting that trophy high for the soccer world to see.
On Saturday, Sept. 3, Orlando will face the Harrisburg City Islanders in the USL PRO Championship Final at the Florida Citrus Bowl. Kickoff is set for 7 pm, which is earlier than usual (most likely due to the game being broadcast live on Fox Soccer Channel.
For tickets, call 855-675-2489 or email tickets@orlandocitysoccer.com.
By: Mark Christopher/Sunshine Slate
Images: Jim Bouhill for Sunshine Slate
Video: Mark Christopher/Sunshine Slate Video
[Orlando, FL] For die-hard soccer fans in Orlando, it was one for the ages. The Orlando City Lions beat the Charleston Battery 3-1 at the Florida Citrus Bowl on Saturday night in an exciting USLPRO contest that was decided in extra time.
Orlando, who captured the regular season title earlier this month, now must face the Richmond Kickers in the American Division Championship game. But the Lions’ first-ever playoff victory almost didn’t happen, keeping the 7,609 revved-up fans on edge until the final whistle sounded.
Well, at least until Orlando scored their second goal in extra time with a mere two minutes left, essentially icing the game.
A charged-up Charleston side would put up quite a battle, incorporating a hard-nosed defensive posture that kept Orlando from scoring most of the first half, save for a goal by forward Max Griffin in the 44th minute, on an assist from midfielder Lewis Neal.
“It was great to get all of the pressure off of my back,” said Griffin of the goal that ended his six-week scoring drought, an eternity for a offensive player. “I think everything is starting to come together for the team. I’m just happy I scored.”
Out of the locker room and into the second half, Charleston was energized by key substitutions, one of which led to the Battery tying the game in the 64th minute. It was now 1-1 and the fans were getting nervous, was the dream season turning into a nightmare?
Orlando City forward Jamie Watson makes a pass
With both teams laying it all on the line, there were few easy chances before the end of regulation, except for a few attempts by Orlando City drawing sighs of exasperation from the stands. Then the whistle blew, regulation was over. The nail-biting could begin.
If Orlando City was going to win this thing, they had to dig deep in extra time.
“I looked at my players after regulation and said it can’t end this way,” Orlando City Head Coach Adrian Heath said after the match. “We were the better team. We just needed the extra time to show it.”
And they did. The Citrus Bowl erupted when City forward Dennis Chin scored at the 100th minute, thanks to a well-placed ball from Ian Fuller. Orlando could feel the game becoming theirs.
So could Charleston, who resorted to overly physical tactics – or perhaps just frustration? – to try and stay in the match. After earning a red card, they were down to 10 men and their dreams of advancing slipping away. But they were still in it.
It wasn’t until the 118th minute that Orlando put the game away for good, thanks to Lewis Neal hitting the back of the net making it 3-1.
There was much rejoicing.
Next up for Orlando is the American Division Championship taking place Saturday, Aug. 27, against the formidable Richmond Kickers at the Citrus Bowl. For tickets call 855-675-2489 or visit www.orlandocitysoccer.com.
On This Glorious Night, Orlando’s Upstart USL Pro Team Slayed A Premier League Giant
Pictures & Video by: Chris McEniry, Words by: Mark Christopher
[Orlando, FL] The Saturday, July 23rd game began in the most American-like fashion: with an epic, sweeping movie-music introduction interspersed with tough-guy sayings from the home team’s players.
Necessary, of course, the music and the awesome epic-ness. Americans like that sort of thing. But thunderous music in the light of day always seems silly. And it was too loud … even for this musician and concert veteran.
But back to the game, that over-the-top spectator experience that was Game 2 of the 2011 Premier League Challenge. It was a game – undeniably, unequivocally … for the ages. A purely friendly contest with somewhat diminished ramifications for both sides.
I mean, ultimately in the grand scheme of things it didn’t matter, except for maybe as a momentum builder for the visitor’s upcoming regular season.
But don’t tell that to the 10,889 in attendance.
Whatever the outcome, the game would be handled in American fashion, on American turf (well, AstroTurf or whatever they call it these days).
Surprising almost everybody attendance, it also ended in an American fashion as the hometown underdog Orlando City Lions beat one of the best teams on the planet, English Premier League standards Newcastle United.
Yeah, beat. As in scored more goals than. The final score, 1-0.
OK, it wasn’t a barn burner with a goal every five minutes or so. But it was a great game nonetheless – especially for the home fans eager to show the sizable Newcastle contingent in the stands that they knew how to soccer-chant with the best of them.
And on this hot summer night, they had the team to match up with these legendary foes. You know, the guys you watch on TV every weekend.
After a week off, the Orlando City Lions return to Florida Citrus Bowl action on Aug. 3, with a 7:30 p.m. home showdown against the always tough Charleston Battery. It is the first in a two-game series that will have major ramifications to the USL PRO play-off picture.
Here is my field-level diary of the game with amazing photos by Chris McEniry.
Mental Preparation
Newcastle United warms-up before the game, a pre-season friendly against the Orlando City Lions. The match was a test for the storied English squad, which is nearing the beginning of their grueling eight-month-plus Barclay’s English Premier League season.
Photographed on July 23, 2011 by Chris McEniry for Sunshine Slate Images. Canon EOS 7D; 300 mm focal length; no flash; re-sized to 1980 x 1320.
Girl Power
The crowd roared with excitement after the “Star-Spangled Banner” is sung by this wonderful little girl. She turned it around in a big, big way after she had the stadium doubting her after a rough start, only to have them going nuts by the end.
The game started with two distinct chants: one was “U-S-A,” the other … wait, is that for Newcastle? Whatever chants were being chanted, it actually sounded like a real soccer game, the kind you watch on television. From Europe. Awesome.
Photographed on July 23, 2011 by Chris McEniry for Sunshine Slate Images. Canon EOS 7D; 200 mm focal length; no flash; re-sized to 1320 x 1980.
NUFC Starting Eleven
The Newcastle United players line-up for the obligatory team shot of the starting eleven players. They do look a little concerned, don’t they?
Photographed on July 23, 2011 by Chris McEniry for Sunshine Slate Images. Canon EOS 7D; 300 mm focal length; no flash; re-sized to 1980 x 1320.
Love, American Style
American soccer has cheerleaders. Get used to it. It is the American way.
Photographed on July 23, 2011 by Chris McEniry for Sunshine Slate Images. Canon EOS 7D; 200 mm focal length; no flash; re-sized to 1980 x 1320.
United They Stand
Newcastle supporters look on as Lions keeper Gallardo takes a goal kick. At the beginning, the Lions – perhaps fueled purely by adrenaline and their Bolton experience from the week before – got an early corner kick and the first real scoring opportunity of the game.
At this point in the game, the home team was unwilling to control the ball and slowly build up their offense. Consequently, there were few balls threatening Newcastle’s net.
Photographed on July 23, 2011 by Chris McEniry for Sunshine Slate Images. Canon EOS 7D; 110 mm focal length; no flash; re-sized to 1980 x 1320.
Premier Concern
There were several scary tackles by Orlando against Newcastle early, perhaps a signal to the intensity level of the match-up. They were fair, hard dispossessions, none of which were called for fouls.
Finally, at the 6:45 mark, Newcastle had a breakaway that looked promising and yielded a corner. With the tight marking, top-flight efforts from both teams and a rock-n-roll atmosphere, this game was already shaping up to be a classic.
Photographed on July 23, 2011 by Chris McEniry for Sunshine Slate Images. Canon EOS 7D; 200 mm focal length; no flash; re-sized to 1980 x 1320.
Dangerous Play
The Lions learned from the Bolton game a mere six days earlier that, to be the best, you had to press hard on defense all the time and deliver offensive passing quality of the highest order.
Still, a team as good as Newcastle can surprise you. At the 10-minute point in the game, the at-times poor play by the visitors stood out like a sore thumb. An ill-advised, overly aggressive tackle by a Newcastle United player led to a foul (and well-deserved jeers from the crowd).
Wow, the Premier League side seems a little bit rattled by the quality of the Orlando side.
Photographed on July 23, 2011 by Chris McEniry for Sunshine Slate Images. Canon EOS 7D; 160 mm focal length; no flash; re-sized to 1980 x 1320.
Goal Standard
The Lions seemed to catch Newcastle on their heels with an aggressive, fast-paced breakaway that included a fluid throw-in and a quick march down the field. It yielded a spot-on corner which was blown by a missed header in front of an open goal.
Photographed on July 23, 2011 by Chris McEniry for Sunshine Slate Images. Canon EOS 7D; 300 mm focal length; no flash; re-sized to 1980 x 1320.
Foot Traffic
At the end of the previously mentioned corner kick open goal miss, the ball, still traveling at a a reasonable pro speed, rolled right into the press tunnel and straight to my feet. I was proud to say that I, relying purely on instinct, comfortably trapped it and brought the ball to a complete stop.
I then sent the ball directly on target to the behind-the-goal ball boy’s feet at 35 yards. It was delivered at a comfortable pace for a small boy to easily handle. Thank you 12 years of soccer.
Photographed on July 23, 2011 by Chris McEniry for Sunshine Slate Images. Canon EOS 7D; 300 mm focal length; no flash; re-sized to 1980 x 1320.
Smoke Signals
Lions fans continued cheering throughout the match, relishing the opportunity to impress – and overpower – the Newcastle fans in attenance.
It was now 20 minutes into a great, action-packed game, fueled by the energetic, raucous crowd. But no goals. That is a good sign for Orlando City.
Photographed on July 23, 2011 by Chris McEniry for Sunshine Slate Images. Canon EOS 7D; 300 mm focal length; no flash; re-sized to 1980 x 1320.
Storming The Castle
In the 25th minute, a member of the home team chops down United striker Peter Lovenkrands just outside of the box, always a big moment of drama. It gave Newcastle their first real chance in the game. Lovenkrands attempted the ensuing free kick, but it was deflected out by the City back line.
Photographed on July 23, 2011 by Chris McEniry for Sunshine Slate Images. Canon EOS 7D; 300 mm focal length; no flash; re-sized to 1980 x 1320.
Guerrilloz In The Midst
Orlando City was getting quite comfortable holding the ball now, if only for a minute at a time. Baby steps. Baby steps cheered by the Orlando City Lions special fan sections, such as the fun-loving Los Guerrilloz. They were buzzing.
Then the stadium lights seemed to brighten, as if a collective light bulb went off inside the Lions team and staff that they could actually win this thing. Orlando countered every Newcastle effort with crowd-pleasing defensive stops. The Lions had seen this movie before, a movie starring the Bolton Wanderers.
Photographed on July 23, 2011 by Chris McEniry for Sunshine Slate Images. Canon EOS 7D; 28 mm focal length; no flash; re-sized to 1320 x 1980.
Turf Warfare
City had plenty attacks of their own in the first half, keeping the Newcastle defense honest. The Lions also really seemed to rule the air with muscular headers and quick jumps that seemaed to leave NUFC flat-footed.
A hard take down by Newcastle and the crowd groans the loudest so far tonight, voicing their disapproval for the play. A concerned team is a team who fouls in such a manner. Is this a sign of things to come?
The Lions miss two excellent opportunities to score off of corner kicks.
Photographed on July 23, 2011 by Chris McEniry for Sunshine Slate Images. Canon EOS 7D; 300 mm focal length; no flash; re-sized to 1320 x 1980.
Fanned & Faved
It was now 32:45 into the first half and United finally started to control the ball with sustained possessions. Unfortunately for the visiting squad those possessions led to weak shots on goal.
Orlando actually had the best opportunity early on with an on-target shot in the 34th minute. The lob in was from Jamie Watson, setting up forward Matt Luzunaris for a one-on-one with Newcastle goalkeeper Fraser Forester. Luzunaris blasted a shot in, but Forester made a nice save to keep the score tied at 0-0.
38:08 into this sea-saw battle – who will score first?
Photographed on July 23, 2011 by Chris McEniry for Sunshine Slate Images. Canon EOS 7D; 300 mm focal length; no flash; re-sized to 1980 x 1320.
Field Like The First Time
The nearly full lower bowl roared with approval after goalkeeper Miguel Gallardo saved what seemed like a sure thing. There goes that rave music again. It’s good to hear the spectators cheering for great defense, which is such an important part of the game at the professional level.
There’s more music, this time a pre-corner kick theme. Kinda sounded silly, but it is how we like our sports; glossed up with bangin’ beats and fist-pumping anthems.
Photographed on July 23, 2011 by Chris McEniry for Sunshine Slate Images. Canon EOS 7D; 300 mm focal length; no flash; re-sized to 1980 x 1320.
Managing Pressure
At 42:40, a great defensive stop by Orlando City. It was so close to a foul that the whole crowd quieted and looked at the referee. When there was no whistle after two seconds, a mass realization set in over the crowd and the game continued.
Another great opportunity missed by the home team. Here come the cheerleaders. Another fine USA tradition. The teams head in the locker rooms at halftime tied 0-0.
Photographed on July 23, 2011 by Chris McEniry for Sunshine Slate Images. Canon EOS 7D; 300 mm focal length; no flash; re-sized to 1980 x 1320.
Eye Ball
Both squads off to a quiet start. At 55:35, a nice cross by Newcastle stuffed by Gallardo, the Lions’ seemingly larger than life goal keeper. Here comes another nice cross. United was pressuring hard now, probing for a goal.
But the Lions weren’t cracking, in fact, they were fighting back, with a brilliant counter attack at the 56:47 mark.
A nice, solid match with plenty of thrills. Just no goals. Orlando City has to be happy with that.
Photographed on July 23, 2011 by Chris McEniry for Sunshine Slate Images. Canon EOS 7D; 300 mm focal length; no flash; re-sized to 1980 x 1320.
Running On Empty
More solid “D” by OCL fullback Kieron Bernard kept a near goal from happening. It did lead to a corner, however, but United failed to capitalize (again). And then another amazing defensive play by Mechack Jerome of the Lions. This also led to a corner and action in front of the net.
Yet no goal for Newcastle. Hmmm.
Then at 63:55 it was Orlando’s turn to press with a quick one-two and decent power shot which was stuffed by the Newcastle net minder. It was right at this point where you realized that Orlando was outplaying Newcastle in every aspect of the game. They just might win this thing.
Photographed on July 23, 2011 by Chris McEniry for Sunshine Slate Images. Canon EOS 7D; 10 mm focal length; no flash; re-sized to 1980 x 1320.
Road Worriers
Another missed opportunity for the Lions as Matt Luzanaris missed an open goal (on the Max Griffin assist) with a left-footed shot, drawing a great sigh of disappointment from the now-fired-up crowd, which was just announced at 10,889 strong. Then just moments later, Lewis Neal missed another open goal from practically the same spot.
Orlando could be up 2-0. NUFC is lucky, and their fans know it.
Photographed on July 23, 2011 by Chris McEniry for Sunshine Slate Images. Canon EOS 7D; 155 mm focal length; no flash; re-sized to 1980 x 1320.
Lion On The Prowl
So far, the only thing missing for the Lions is that goal-scoring final touch. Third shot for Orlando City in as many minutes. If they could just put it in the back of the net …
Man, Orlando’s defense is good, they really look sharp. Consequently, the place was rocking. And it should be – Orlando’s fans tasted blood. Premier League blood.
Photographed on July 23, 2011 by Chris McEniry for Sunshine Slate Images. Canon EOS 7D; 300 mm focal length; no flash; re-sized to 1980 x 1320.
Rock Star
Orlando is showing great poise and stamina when attacked which was becoming less and less often with the game hitting the 72-minute mark.
In an effort to shake things up and perhaps squeeze out a goal, Newcastle’s coach made some line-up changes. In a great show of respect and sportsmanship the crowd cheered the players for putting on a show.
And of course down time means more really loud music. This time it’s a Dick Dale surf-guitar thing.
Photographed on July 23, 2011 by Chris McEniry for Sunshine Slate Images. Canon EOS 7D; 300 mm focal length; no flash; re-sized to 1980 x 1320.
Net Gains
The chess match continued as Orlando Lions coach Adrian Heath made some substitutions of his own. Dennis Chin was now in for Maxwell Griffin in the forward spot. It proved to be a genius move, as the fresh-legged Chin intercepted a pass, broke free and ran past the entire Newcastle backline. He then flicked it to Kevin Molino who tapped it into the back of Newcastle’s net.
ORLANDO SCORES!! ORLANDO SCORES!! The crowd grew louder, the anticipation building. All eyes were now on the clock.
After claiming the ball from the back of the net, United seemed to wake up a bit. The showed great promise with a pair of decent-looking shots on goal only to be countered by Orlando, who was pinning the visitors back on their heels.
Like the good teams do. Minute 79. Chants of “U-S-A” echoing through the stadium.
Photographed on July 23, 2011 by Chris McEniry for Sunshine Slate Images. Canon EOS 7D; 300 mm focal length; no flash; re-sized to 1980 x 1320.
Keeper Of The Shut-Out
More great defense and solid goalkeeping by Orlando City, almost as if they think they can win this thing. They are not the only ones – you could hear the conversations starting, the questions being asked. Is this really happening? Can we really win this?
At the 80th minute another close attempt by the Lions. Were they going to score another? That would be truly embarrassing to the top-shelf team.
Now the home team was poring it on, eager to get another goal and put this thing away. Great battle taking place. Wait, did NUFC just score? They did, at the 82nd minute, except that the linesman has his flag up. Offsides, no goal. Phew.
Cue the rave music and the “U-S-A” chants. Less than 10 minutes to go now. Another superb Orlando effort thwarted by the Newcastle keeper. Orlando is really making it difficult for United to get anything done on offense.
And just as soon as you think Orlando were cruising to a victory, they started to look sloppy for a minute or two. Only Newcastle couldn’t do anything about it.
The sloppiness was spreading. At 86:41, a corner by Newcastle midfielder Jones Gutierrez was dropped by Gallardo in the box. Luckily, the ball was quickly cleared out of danger by a defender.
Then Orlando City gets the ball back and wisely plays keep-away to drain the clock, further frustrating Newcastle and their fans.
Photographed on July 23, 2011 by Chris McEniry for Sunshine Slate Images. Canon EOS 7D; 300 mm focal length; no flash; re-sized to 1980 x 1320.
The Thrill Of Victory
Orlando spends the last minutes of regulation holding the ball to the crowd’s delight. Then a shocker – at the 89th minute, a NUFC header almost found its way into the back of the net. A big sigh of relief.
Three minutes of stoppage time announced. Could Orlando actually do it? Could they win? They sure are showing great confidence.
That’s it, the ref blows his whistle three times … They won! Orlando wins!
The players on the field traded shirts as the stadium announcer boasts that the victory over Newcastle is the “biggest win in history of our club.”
The crowd was going nuts. The music was blaring. Drums banged. Fists pumped. This is what soccer is all about.
As Orlando City made their way into the locker room, the crowd chanted “Are you watching M-L-S!’”
Photographed on July 23, 2011 by Chris McEniry for Sunshine Slate Images. Canon EOS 7D; 28 mm focal length; no flash; re-sized to 1980 x 1320.
Round Of Applause
The nearly 11,000 in attendance was a season high and new club record for Orlando City.
“Everything happens for a reason,” said the goal scorer Molino at the post-game press conference. He was supposed to be playing for Trinidad U-23 team on this night, but he missed his flight. “I am just excited to be here … 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, stating that, “It is something I will cherish for the rest of my life.”
Photographed on July 23, 2011 by Chris McEniry for Sunshine Slate Images. Canon EOS 7D; 31 mm focal length; no flash; re-sized to 1980 x 1320.
Signed, Sealed & Delivered
After the big win, Orlando City Lions players came out to sign autographs.
Photographed on July 23, 2011 by Chris McEniry for Sunshine Slate Images. Canon EOS 7D; 300 mm focal length; no flash; re-sized to 1980 x 1320.
POST-GAME INTERVIEW VIDEO
Keep Off The Grass
Newcastle United coach Alan Pardew talked a lot about the artificial turf in his post-game, and how his players didn’t pass well on it. The turf had been an issue all week as Orlando’s owners tried to put down real sod earlier in the week, but it didn’t take.
They managed to get the Citrus Bowl’s artificial turf down in time for the match.
Video captured on July 23, 2011 by Chris McEniry for Sunshine Slate Video. Canon EOS 7D; no flash; originally 1280 x 720.
