CHARLESTON, S.C. (June 11, 2016) – In its first road game in over a month, Orlando City B (5-6-2, 17 points) held on to a 2-1 lead to earn three big points against the Charleston Battery (6-4-3, 21 points). Michael Cox scored in the 12th minute before Conor Donovan notched his first professional goal. Goalkeeper Mark Ridgers recorded another impressive outing, making 10 saves to keep the Lions ahead after falling to 10 men. OCB has now won three of its last four matches.
“In the first half, the team was excellent. I thought we completely controlled the game and we seemed in no danger at 2-0,” OCB Head Coach Anthony Pulis said. “Second half, we defended really, really well. The character, the work ethic, the togetherness of the group shone through again. We ground out a really, really good three points.”
The Lions started the game with strong possession, carefully working the ball up the pitch and into the attacking third. OCB applied pressure and broke through in the 15th minute when Cox received a pass from Pierre Da Silva and made a great turn to his right foot before firing it inside the far post. It was the Canadian's team-leading fifth goal of the season.
OCB continued holding the majority of possession and thwarted any Battery attack before it truly threatened the Lions’ goal. The match was paused in the 33rd minute and again in the 75th minute for a water break due to the extreme heat.
Charleston’s best opportunity of the first half came in the 36th minute when former Orlando City U-23 striker Romario Williams dribbled into the six-yard box from the left wing before rolling the ball across the face of goal just inches from the goal line before it was cleared away on the far post.
The Lions struck on another free kick in the 42nd minute when Da Silva curled in a left-footed ball from the left wing to Donovan, who headed it in from inside the six-yard box for his first professional goal.
OCB was reduced to 10 men when Tyler Turner was issued a red card in first-half stoppage time. Justin Portillo converted from the penalty spot, bringing Charleston within one.
The Battery came out firing in the second half, but Scottish goalkeeper Ridgers played a stellar half to maintain OCB’s lead. Ridgers stepped up big in the 51st minute and again in the 62nd, making a diving save off a left-footed shot Maikel Chang fired from just outside the box. Ridgers finished with 10 saves as the Lions held on for all three points.
The Lions return to Titan Soccer Complex on Sunday, June 19, to host New York Red Bulls II. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. E.T. Tickets to all OCB home matches are available at OrlandoCityB.com or by calling 855-ORL-CITY. Follow the latest Orlando City news and updates via Facebook, Twitter,Instagram and YouTube.
Scoring Summary:
OCB - Michael Cox (Pierre Da Silva) 15’
OCB - Conor Donovan (Pierre Da SIlva) 42’
CHA - Justin Portillo (PK) 45’
Misconduct Summary:
CHA - Maikel Chang (Yellow Card) 12’
CHA - Zachary Prince (Yellow Card) 20’
CHA - Forrest Lasso (Yellow Card) 42’
OCB - Tyler Turner (Yellow Card) 45’
OCB - Tyler Turner (Red Card) 45’
Lineups/Substitutions:
Orlando City B - GK Mark Ridgers, D Tyler Turner, Devron García (Kyle McFadden 67’), Conor Donovan, Mikey Ambrose, M Tony Rocha, Andrew Ribeiro, Pierre Da Silva (Johnny Mendoza 64’), Lewis Neal (Antonio Matarazzo 80’), Richie Laryea (Zachary Hayden 46’), F Michael Cox (William Eyang 78’)
Substitutes: GK Jake Fenlason, F Marius Obekop
Charleston Battery - GK Odisnel Cooper, D Obrian Woodbine, Forrest Lasso (Austin Savage 81’), Taylor Mueller, Emmanuel Adjetey, M Zachary Prince (Dante Marini 58’), Neveal Hackshaw (Ataulla Guerra 46’), Justin Portillo, Maikel Chang, F Ricardo Garbanzo (Heviel Cordoves 70’), Romario Williams
Substitutes: GK Alexander Tambakis, D Shawn Ferguson, Quinton Griffith
Details of the Game
Time: 5 p.m. ET
Weather: Clear
June 11, 2016
Attendance:
Stats:
Shots:
OCB - 9
CHA - 23
Saves:
OCB - 10
CHA - 2
Corners:
OCB - 2
CHA - 5
