Team 1 2 Final
Antigua Barracuda FC 0 0 0
Orlando City 0 1 1
Scoring Summary:
ANT – Own Goal 89
Misconduct Summary:
ANT – Peter Byers (Caution, reckless foul) 30
OC - Jamie Watson (Caution, simulation) 86
Lineup:
Orlando City – Miguel Gallardo, Luke Boden, Wes Allen, Rob Valentino (Kieron Bernard 58), Erik Ustruck (Jerome Mechack 74), James O’Connor, Anthony Pulis, Kevin Molino, Charlie Campbell (Ian Fuller 78), Dennis Chin (Max Griffin 84), Matt Luzunaris (Jamie Watson 58)
St. John’s, Antigua & Barbuda - It took nearly the full 90, but Orlando City Soccer Club (5-0-1, 16 points) pulled out the 1-0 win over Antigua Barracuda FC (2-5-0, 6 points) at Sir Vivian Richards Stadium. Max Griffin’s shot was knocked in by Antigua’s Troy Dublin for the game-winner in the 89th minute.
The game-winner could just as easily be credited to Griffin as the late sub’s strike looked destined for the back of the net. The play was started by a Jamie Watson strike, punched wide by Barracudas keeper Kieta DeCastro. Griffin jumped on the rebound, slotting a low strike to the far post. Dublin attempted to clear, but forward momentum carried him into the net with the ball.
Orlando City started the match in control, and dominated possession for much of the opening frame. Dennis Chin, getting his first start since the season opener, was very active. Three of Chin’s shots in the first half were either saved by the goalkeeper or cleared off the line by a Barracudas defender.
The Barracudas spent much of the half on the defensive, but did create some chances of their own. A fortunate pass deflection hit the post, as did a late first-half effort, but otherwise the Antiguans were unable to test Miguel Gallardo in the net.
The second half was much of the same, but even fewer chances for the Barracudas going forward. Orlando City struggled to connect through the middle in the second half, largely due to the patchy field conditions. Dennis Chin, Jamie Watson and Kieron Bernard, playing in his first match of the 2012 campaign, had shots saved in the second half.
The win is City’s second straight victory, and fifth in six games. The Lions will remain at the top of the USL PRO table with 16 points and are now one of only two remaining undefeated teams in the league.
There will be little rest for the Lions. They remain in Antigua for a Mother’s Day clash with the Barracudas on Sunday. Kickoff is set for 4:30 p.m. The match will be broadcast on USLNation.com, the USL PRO’s free, online video service.
