They faced one of their toughest tests of the season, but the Orlando City Development Academy U-17/18s managed to pull out the victory.
Against the New Jersey-based Players Development Academy, the No. 2 nationally ranked City U-17/18s jumped out to an early lead, conceded a goal but quickly regained it before dropping to 10 men and grinding out a win on Saturday.
David Loera set up the Lions’ first goal with a great free kick delivery to Juan Hernandez in the ninth minute. PDA equalized in the 23rd minute before Loera put City ahead for good in the 32nd with an outstanding goal, beating the goalkeeper 1-on-1.
Things got tough for City in the second half though when captain David Norris was sent off five minutes into the half.
“It was extremely hard to play with 10 men,” Academy Director and U-17/18s head coach David Longwell said. “But the players worked extremely hard to ensure they didn’t concede and still managed to look a threat on the break. Really proud of the way they fought for each other.”
The Lions are now 2-0-0 and face the hometown Indiana Fire in a must-win group stage finale. That match is tonight at 7 and will be streamed on Facebook Live at the link here.
If the Lions advance, they’ll host the quarterfinal knockout round in Orlando. If they win that, they advance to the U.S. Soccer Development Academy Championships at the National Training Center in Los Angeles.
