ORLANDO, Fla. (February 20, 2017) – The Orlando City SC Pro Academy U-15/16 got excellent goalkeeping and came back from a one-goal deficit but ultimately lost in a penalty kick shootout against New England Revolution Pro Academy U-15/16 Monday at UCF Soccer Complex.
“A good positive was that we lost the first goal and we reacted quite well and were able to get back to 1-all,” U-15/16 head coach Max Rogers said. “Second half we created a couple more chances but to be fair the game could’ve gone either way. Obviously when it goes to penalties its kind of the lottery. A lot of work to be done.”
New England jumped ahead in the 23rd minute when Pierre Spiegel fired a shot to the far post. Orlando City quickly responded with a goal five minutes later when Mario Licor curled a corner service to Kyle Ferguson for a header.
Goalkeeper Aaron Smith made numerous excellent saves to keep the Lions in the match. He made a flying save on a shot curling towards the far post and charged out several times to thwart solo opportunities. Smith, who trained with the First Team during preseason training camp in Jacksonville, made several diving saves – including a quick-reaction tip to lift a hard shot over the bar – in the second half and a huge save in the shootout to level it.
“He was very good, to be fair to him,” Rogers said. “Same with the goalies in previous games.”
The Lions nearly took the lead in the second half when Ferguson’s header whizzed past the post. Just seconds later, Ryan Schultz whipped in a cross that Jordan Bender directed inches off target.
Orlando City’s AJ Seals, Roberto Ydrach and Licor all converted in the penalty shootout. Smith made one save despite guessing right and nearly stopping another.
Other Scores:
D.C. United 3 – 2 Philadelphia Union
New York City FC 2 – 2 (PKs: 5 – 4) New York Red Bulls
