ORLANDO, Fla. (August 31, 2017) – In its seventh match of August, Orlando City B (8-6-12, 36 points) extended its unbeaten run to 12 games with a 1-1 draw against Bethlehem Steel FC (10-11-4, 34 points) Thursday at Orlando City Stadium. Pierre Da Silva scored his second goal of the season on Albert Dikwa’s second assist.
“I thought the draw was a fair result. I don’t think either team did enough to win the game tonight. It was cagey. At times it was hot and really humid, and I think that had an effect on the game, “ OCB head coach Anthony Pulis said. “We didn’t move the ball quickly enough, we didn’t have as much energy as we normally do, so with that, we still had some decent passes of play and we looked pretty solid defensively. I can’t really remember too many chances at either end to be honest. And then you look at it, two fantastic finishes. One from Pierre, where he takes his goal really well, and one from (Marcus) Epps, disappointing, and he gets that time and space on the edge of the box to shoot but he finished it off really really well to be fair.”
Pulis came out with a starting XI much different than the one that earned a 3-0 win in Louisville on Saturday. Goalkeeper Jake Fenlason made his second consecutive start and had First Team defenders Kevin Alston and Conor Donovan on his backline alongside Zach Carroll and Zach Ellis-Hayden. Da Silva started at left midfield next to Timbó, Jordan Schweitzer and captain Lewis Neal with Dikwa and Ben Polk, who made his first start since June 20, at forward. Orlando City Development Academy goalkeeper Aaron Smith was on the 18-man lineup for the third time this season.
The match was very evenly contested until Da Silva broke the deadlock with a stunning strike in the 75th minute. After controlling Da Silva’s through ball on the left wing, Dikwa turned and fed it back to Da Silva, who rifled the ball off the inside corner of the bar.
It appeared as though OCB would walk away with the three points until Epps curled a shot from the edge of the box inside the far post for the equalizer in the 86th minute.
This was the second and final meeting of the season between these two teams. OCB picked up a 2-0 win at Goodman Stadium on April 23 riding Richie Laryea’s brace.
The match was paused in the 31st minute and again in the 76th for a hydration break.
The Lions return to Orlando City Stadium on Thursday, Sept. 7, to host the Richmond Kickers. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. ET.
Scoring Summary:
OCB - Pierre Da Silva (Albert Dikwa) 75’
BET - Marcus Epps (Cory Burke) 86’
Misconduct Summary:
OCB - Kevin Alston (Yellow Card) 30’
OCB - Pierre Da Silva (Yellow Card) 45+1’
BET - James Chambers (Yellow Card) 90+1’
Lineups/Substitutions:
Orlando City B - GK Jake Fenlason, D Kevin Alston (Austin Martz 46’), Conor Donovan, Zach Carroll, Zach Ellis-Hayden, M Pierre Da Silva, Timbó (Paul Clowes 79’), Jordan Schweitzer, ⓒ Lewis Neal, F Albert Dikwa, Ben Polk (Danny Deakin 46’)
Substitutes: GK Aaron Smith, D Scott Thomsen, Youmeni Jules, M Ryley Kraft
Bethlehem Steel FC - GK Jake McGuire, D Aaron Jones, Josh Yaro, Auston Trusty, Matt Real, M ⓒ Maurice Edu (James Chambers 78’), Derrick Jones, Adam Najem (Chris Nanco 78’), Santi Moar, Marcus Epps (Yosef Samuel 89’), F Cory Burke
Substitutes: GK Tomas Romero, D Matt Mahoney, Hugh Roberts, M Anthony Fontana
Details of the Game
Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
Weather: Clear
Date: Aug. 31, 2017
Attendance: 856
Stats:
Possession:
OCB - 50.7 %
BET - 49.3 %
Shots:
OCB - 7
BET - 8
Saves:
OCB - 1
BET - 0
Corners:
OCB - 6
BET - 2
Fouls:
OCB - 10
BET - 8
