Orlando City Soccer Lifts I-4 Trophy With 6-2 Aggregate Win Over Tampa Bay Rowdies
Orlando City SC defeated the Tampa Bay Rowdies of the North American Soccer League (NASL) 3-2 (6-2 aggregate) at Al Lang Stadium this evening to claim its second consecutive I-4 Derby title.
Orlando were well supported by several hundred supporters who had ventured to St. Petersburg to witness the Lions defeat the Rowdies for the sixth consecutive time over the past two seasons.
“As I said to the players, you can never get tired of winning titles. We scored some very good goals tonight and all three were delights to watch,” said Head Coach Adrian Heath after the derby win. “Coming in with a three goal lead, we could’ve taken our foot off the pedal but we didn’t. We worked hard and I’m delighted not only for the players but also for our supporters. Once again, it was a great turnout from them, and I hope they’ve enjoyed it as much as we have.”
Orlando City broke through in the 31st minute when Kevin Molino (pictured above) played a simple one-two with Corey Hertzog inside the area, before producing a composed finish past Rowdies keeper Ryan Thompson from six yards. Molino’s ability to provide the opening goal for Orlando continues the impressive 2014 campaign being displayed so far by the club’s first-ever Major League Soccer (MLS) signing, who currently leads USL PRO in goals (11), assists (6) and points (28).
Tampa Bay leveled the score-line just four minutes later, after a costly mistake from the Orlando defence. Midfielder Darel Russell was able to dispossess Lions’ center-half Tommy Redding and play Georgi Hristov in behind with ample space, leaving Carl Woszczynksi with no chance.
City’s restored their lead with a second goal coming from a Darwin Ceren (pictured above) freekick when Molino was upended on the edge of the area in the 43rd minute. Ceren’s effort beat Thompson by striking his effort through the Tampa wall to find the back of the net.
The 2-1 score-line at the end of the half was a fair reflection of the first 45 minutes, as Orlando were the better side on the ball while the Rowdies’ attacking efforts were more sporadic and less threatening. As a result, Tampa Head Coach Ricky Hill made two attacking changes at the half, bringing on Midfielder Evans Frimpong and Forward Luciano Olguin.
Less than 20 minutes into the half, Tampa found a response to Ceren’s strike when Hristov scored his second goal of the match. The striker was played in behind Ricardo Morris and slotted the ball underneath Woszczynski for a second equalizer of the night.
Corey Hertzog gave Orlando their third lead of the evening in the 75th minute as the striker found some space to first jink one way and then back again against two defenders before chipping over the advancing Thompson. The striker’s finish proved to be the final dagger in the Rowdies coffin and there was no way back for them being 6-2 down on aggregate.
To prevent any further damage, Lions Head Coach Heath brought on Adama Mbengue and a couple of trialist players to provide fresh legs as Orlando secured its second straight I-4 Derby title.
Orlando’s next match will take place in league play when the Lions host the Wilmington Hammerheads on July 12 at ESPN Wide World of Sports. Kick-off is set for 7:30 p.m. EST.
Lineups/Substitutions:
Orlando City SC- GK Carl Woszcysnki, D Tyler Turner, Rob Valentino, Tommy Redding, Luke Boden, M Aodhan Quinn, Darwin Ceren, Austin da Luz (Adama Mbengue 68’), Brian Span, F Kevin Molino (Trialist) , Corey Hertzog (Trialist)
Tampa Bay Rowdies- GK Ryan Thompson, D Frankie Sanfilippo, Takuya Yamada, J.P. Rodrigues, Anthony Wallace (Evans Frimpong 46’), M Ricardo Morris, Shane Hill, Darel Russell, Blake Wagner, F Casey Townsend (Luciano Olguin 46’), Georgi Hristov
Scoring Summary:
ORL- Kevin Molino (Corey Hertzog) 31’
TBR- Georgi Hristov (Darel Russel) 35’
ORL- Darwin Ceren (Unassisted) 43’
TBR- Georgi Hristov (Ricardo Morris) 59’
ORL- Corey Hertzog (Unassisted) 75’
More photographs at www.FloridaLeisurePhotography.com
