Fresh off a second place finish at the Luis Figo Euro Showcase, Orlando City U9 Purple 1 boys are now 2016 Florida Winter Cup Champions. Orlando City won all four of their games in the tournament, including a penalty shoutout to determine the final.
The first game was a 5-4 thriller against Jacksonville Armada South. Orlando City got off to a fast start after an early run of four goals from Hunter Wieckowski, Cohen Morgan, Jowell Martinez and Simon Williams. Despite being down 4-1 at the half, Jacksonville battled back in the second half to score a game tying goal with only minutes on the clock. Orlando City earned one last free kick near midfield and Caleb Trombino saw his shot ricochet off the post and in to the path of Cohen Morgan, who secured the victory only seconds before the final whistle.
Later that day in game 2, Orlando faced Jacksonville Armada North. Constant pressure and key passes from Lucas Turner and Laithe Alkhafaji drove the attack forward, resulting in a first half goal from Cohen Morgan. The victory was sealed late in the second half, when Jacob Ramirez drove home a low shot from just outside the box. The clean sheet was anchored by strong defensive performances by Caleb Trombino, Landon Okonski and Michael Brockman.
Orlando City went on to defeat Greater Osceola United 4-2 on Sunday morning. Winning 1-0 at the half, Orlando converted two of their many second half free kick opportunities. The first was scored by Jacob Ramirez from near midfield and the second was scored by Cohen Morgan, to complete his hat trick on the day.
The championship on Sunday afternoon was a rematch against Jacksonville Armada South. Despite quality play and many opportunities, Orlando City found themselves tied 0-0 with Jacksonville at the end of regulation. Orlando then went on to make all of their penalties. It was keeper Brendan Mikuliza's second save the secured the Championship and sent the Orlando City team and parents into wild celebration.
The future is purple.
