Orlando City Soccer Club defeated Brazilian Serie A club Ponte Preta 3-2 in a thrilling contest at the Orlando Citrus Bowl on Sunday night. (Orlando City Image)
ORLANDO CITY – Orlando City Soccer Club defeated Brazilian Serie A club Ponte Preta 3-2 in a thrilling contest at the Orlando Citrus Bowl on Sunday night.
Despite utilizing a squad comprised of mainly younger players, the Lions fought back from an early 1-0 deficit to produce a win for the 20,501 fans in attendance, as Bryan Róchez, Cyle Larin and Sean St. Ledger all scored for City.
The finishes marked both Róchez’s and St. Ledger’s first goals in purple.
Adrian Heath
“I was pleased with the guys. We competed in the game really well and obviously I’m delighted for the players, pleased for the supporters,” said head coach Adrian Heath.
“But I have to be honest, I’m really pleased with the players to get a few goals and actually feel that even though it was a friendly game to have won the game at all.”
In addition, the win moves Orlando City to 2-5-1 all time in international friendlies during the past five years. The Lions previously defeated English Premier League club Newcastle United 1-0 while in USL in 2011.
Brek Shea
“First and foremost I think we’ve had great support every game,” said defender Brek Shea.
“I think for the people who came out tonight, I hope they were pleased. The win was for them and I hope we showed them the excitement of a win. That’s been, for me, the biggest letdown this season is not getting three points at home for the fans.”
