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Orlando City Lions Down Colorado Rapids 3-1

By  //  May 29, 2013

first win for orlando in Open Cup play

ABOVE VIDEO: Orlando City Soccer Club Coach Adrian Heath reflects on the game highlights and support and enthusiasm of the crowd.

VIDEO & IMAGES BY MICHAEL MOORE II

CENTRAL FLORIDA, USA — The USL Orlando City Soccer Club defeated the MLS Colorado Rapids 3-1 Tuesday night in the third round of US Open Cup play at Fifth Third Bank Field at the Florida Citrus Bowl in Orlando.

Dom Dwyers heads in one of his two goals for the night.

Forward Dom Dwyer notched two goals in the second half, leading the club to its first-ever win over an MLS club in US Open Cup play and advancing Orlando to the fourth round of competition.

“I think just before and during the second half we were far and away the better team,” said Orlando City Head Coach Adrian Heath. “I thought we were worthy winners and it would have been a travesty if we didn’t take home the win.”

SMOKE POURED FROM THE SOUTH END

Fan support was unbelievable at times. Smoke poured from the South End most of the game, and streams, confetti and chants rained down on the field for 90 minutes nonstop. With every passing minute of the game clock, the crowd seemed to get louder. It’s hard to deny the incredible support the Orlando City Fans bring each game plays a role in the team’s success.

Orlando supporter groups decided to try and smoke out the visiting Colorado Rapids.
Orlando supporter groups decided to try and smoke out the visiting Colorado Rapids.

Orlando got on the board early, with a Bryan Burke score giving the Lions a 1-0 advantage. In the 4th minute, the winger received the ball on the edge of the box, rifling his attempt off a Colorado defender and into the back of the net. The goal was Burke’s second consecutive, counting regular season play, with Kitsap Puma netting his first goal of the season Saturday night in USL PRO season over Wilmington.

Colorado quickly responded, with a defensive turnover leading to the equalizer. Rapids’ Midfielder Kamani Hill jumped on a bad pass by the Orlando backline in the 17th minute, putting his attempt past Goalkeeper Miguel Gallardo to even the game at 1-1.

ORLANDO CITY SOCCER CLUB ON THE ATTACK

After finishing out the first half tied, Orlando began the second half on the attack. In the 48th minute, Burke surged down the right hand side- floating a ball to a waiting Dom Dwyer on the back post.

Both teams played with a passion Tuesday night and play from both sides was very fast and physical.
Both teams played with a passion Tuesday night and play from both sides was very fast and physical.

The USL PRO leading scorer whipped his header attempt into the back left corner, giving the Lions a 2-1 lead.

Orlando continued to push forward, resulting in a costly mistake by Colorado Goalkeeper Steward Ceus in the 57th minute. After getting free of the Rapids backline, Dwyer had a 1-on-1 with Ceus, with the goalkeeper making a last-ditch effort by tackling Ceus just outside the 6-yard box.

The tackle resulted in a straight red, leaving the Rapids down a man heading into the final 30 minutes of the match.

 MBENGUE PLAYED A GREAT BALL

It didn’t take long for Orlando to capitalize on the man-up advantage. Former Orlando City U23s Midfielder Adama Mbengue played a great ball through to Long Tan on the edge of the box in the 63rd minute, with the former DC United Striker finding Dwyer on the reception of his pass.

Colorado keeper Steward Ceus is ejected from the game after tackling Dom Dwyer in a one on one breakaway.
Colorado keeper Steward Ceus is ejected from the game after tackling Dom Dwyer in a one on one breakaway.

Dwyer converted past the newly-subbed Clint Irwin for the 3-1 lead. Orlando controlled possession to close out the match, topping the Rapids with the final score 3-1. The win marked a few firsts for the Lions, including the club’s first win over an MLS side in Open Cup play and first time advancing to the 4th round of competition.

ORLANDO CITY WINS

With this win Orlando City now advances to play MLS team Sporting Kansas City. With 4 players on loan to Orlando City from Sporting Kansas City it will be a unique matchup for both clubs. Orlando City Soccer is the official USL PRO affiliate of Sporting KC. The match will be played on Wednesday, June 12.

Scoring Summary
• ORLANDO- Bryan Burke (unassisted) 4th
• COLORADO- Kamani Hill (unassisted) 18th
• ORLANDO- Dom Dwyer (Bryan Burke) 48th
• ORLANDO- Dom Dwyer (Long Tan) 63rd

Lineups and Substitutions: Orlando City – Miguel Gallardo, Yann Songo’o, Bryan Burke, Luke Boden, Rob Valentino, Anthony Pulis, James O’Connor, Kevin Molino, Adama Mbengue (Jamie Watson 67), Dom Dwyer, Long Tan (Dennis Chin 76);  Colorado Rapids – Steward Ceus, Marvell Wynne, Shane O’Neill, German Mera, Anthony Wallace, Dillon Powers, Nick LaBrocca (Atiba Harris 72), Kamani Hill (Deshorn Brown 66), Tony Cascio, Kevin Harbottle (Clint Irwin 58), Danny Mwanga

FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT OrlandoCitySoccer.com