Orlando City Earns 3-1 Victory Over Sporting Kansas City At Citrus Bowl

By  //  September 14, 2015

22,241 fans at the Orlando Citrus Bowl

ABOVE VIDEO: Orlando City defeated Sporting Kansas City 3-1 before 22,241 fans at the Orlando Citrus Bowl on Sunday tonight.

ORLANDO, FLORIDA – Orlando City midfielder Adrian Winter scored his first two goals in purple to lead the Lions in a 3-1 victory over Sporting Kansas City before 22,241 fans at the Orlando Citrus Bowl Sunday night.

Recording the fastest goal in Club history – Major League Soccer (MLS) or USL – Winter headed home a cross from Luke Boden to give the Lion’s a 1-0 lead in the 3rd minute. He added an insurance goal in the 72nd minute on an assist from Lewis Neal.

Sporting attempted to change the pace of the game when Krisztian Nemeth equalized midway through the second half, but substitutions early in the second 45 from head coach Adrian Heath inspired a two-goal second half from City.

City midfielder Brek Shea returned to the pitch to a rousing fan response, entering the game in the 61st minute for Carlos Rivas. Shea’s first touches on the ball resulted in a beautiful assist to Honduran international Bryan Rochez, who also opened his scoring account for the Lions with his first career MLS goal, which served as the game winner.

Adrian Heath
Adrian Heath

“I think we deserved it [the win]. I thought we started really well. We didn’t allow them to settle,” said Heath.

“I am really pleased for the players and delighted for our supporters, who have been incredible. We’ve given them something to cheertonight. I think it has been a really good night for everybody. All the teams around us are all vying for that last place. We are all going to be in Montreal’s hands, but they have a lot of games to play in not many days. We will see where we go.Tonight gave us another chance and we got close to that red line.”

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Brek Shea celebrates with the 22,241 fans at the Orlando Citrus Bowl on Sunday night. (OCS image)

First Half:

3’ Orlando City opened the game in ideal fashion when Adrian Winter nodded home Luke Boden’s set-piece, marking the fastest goal in Club history. The finish was also Winter’s first as a Lion.

5’ City came close to doubling its lead two minutes later when Lewis Neal followed up on Cyle Larin’s chance, but Sporting goalkeeper Jon Kempin did just enough to push it wide for a corner.

17’ Dom Dwyer produced Sporting’s first real threatening chance of the game when he got on the end of Graham Zusi’s corner, but his header went just over the crossbar.

22’ Good build-up play from City led to another prime opportunity when Rivas was released in behind by Winter for a clear-chance on goal. The Colombian attempted a first-time effort though and pulled it wide of the near-post.

32’ With the first half winding down, Orlando City controlled a slight edge in possession (51-49).

45 (+1)’ Winter’s goal was the difference at the half, as the Lions ventured into the locker-room up 1-0 after the first 45.

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Recording the fastest goal in Club history – Major League Soccer (MLS) or USL – Adrian Winter headed home a cross from Luke Boden to give the Lion’s a 1-0 lead in the 3rd minute. (OCS image)

Second Half:

50’ Larin came close to breaking the single-season scoring record for a rookie when Neal played him in behind, but his final effort was high of the target.

55’ Neal had another golden opportunity when Rafael Ramos pulled the ball back to him inside the area, but his close-range attempt was parried by Kempin, who made a dive full-stretch to push it wide.

59’ However, a giveaway inside the Lions’ half would change the pace of the game when Krisztian Nemeth ran at the defense and blasted his strike into the far corner.

61’ After bringing on Bryan Rochez early in the second half for Larin, Heath made his second change of the night – replacing Rivas with Brek Shea who was making his first appearance after being injured since late June.

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65’ Both substitutes made an immediate impact on the game when Shea was released down the left-hand-side and drove forward into the box, before pulling it back to Rochez who calmly tucked it past Kempin and into the back of the net.

72’ City’s excellent team play continued midway through the second half when a clever one-two between Neal and Winter led to the Swiss international’s second goal of the game.

80’ Jordi Quintilla fired a long-range effort to try and pull Sporting back into the game but just missed the target.

88’ In the final two minutes of the game, Dwyer was sent off for a challenge on City center-back David Mateos.

90 (+2) The referee signaled for full-time, resulting in an impressive 3-1 win for the Lions.

Scoring Summary:

ORL: Adrian Winter (Luke Boden) 3’

SKC: Krisztian Nemeth (Unassisted) 59’

ORL: Bryan Rochez (Brek Shea) 65’

ORL: Adrian Winter (Lewis Neal) 72’

Misconduct Summary:

SKC: Matt Besler (Yellow Card) 83’

ORL: Brek Shea (Yellow Card) 83’

SKC: Dom Dwyer (Red Card) 88’

Lineups/Substitutions:

Orlando City SC – GK Tally Hall, D Rafael Ramos, David Mateos, Aurelien Collin, Luke Boden, M Cristian Higuita, Servando Carrasco, Adrian Winter (Eric Avila 73’), Carlos Rivas (Brek Shea 61’), Lewis Neal, F Cyle Larin (Bryan Rochez 57’)

Unused Subs: GK Earl Edwards Jr., D Tommy Redding, Seb Hines, F Danny Mwanga

Sporting Kansas City – GK Jon Kempin, D Saad Abdul-Salaam, Matt Besler, Kevin Ellis, Seth Sinovic, M Benny Feilhaber (Jordi Quintilla 73’), Soni Mustivar, Krisztian Nemeth, Jacob Peterson, Graham Zusi, F Dom Dwyer

Unused Subs: GK Mitchell, D Jalil Anibaba, Bernardo Anor, Jordi Quintilla, M Amadou Dia, M Mikey Lopez, F Marcel de Jong

Match Facts:
Time of Match: 7:00 p.m. ET
Weather: Clear

September 13, 2015
Attendance: 22,241

Orlando City’s next match will take place against the Chicago Fire on Saturday, September 19, at Toyota Park. Kick-off is scheduled for 8:30 p.m. ET.

The Lions will return to the Orlando Citrus Bowl on Saturday, October 3, to host the Montreal Impact. Kick-off is set for 7:30 p.m. ET.

To purchase group or individual tickets, or for more information on the 2017 season ticket waitlist, visit www.OrlandoCitySC.com or call 855-ORL-CITY.

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Orlando City midfielder Adrian Winter scored his first two goals in purple to lead the Lions in a 3-1 victory over Sporting Kansas City before 22,241 fans at the Orlando Citrus Bowl tonight. (Image for SpaceCoastDaily.com)

Coach Adrian Heath

On his thoughts on the game:

“I think we deserved it [the win]. I thought we stared really well. We didn’t allow them to settle. I am really pleased for the players. Delighted for our supporters, who have been incredible, and we have given them something to cheer tonight. I think it has been a really good night for everybody.”

On Sporting Kansas City’s defense:

“We expected at some stage that Cyle Larin would be tired. He has never played this long in his career, and certainly with this intensity. I felt that he looked a little bit laggy and there wasn’t that zip in his legs. We thought it would be a good chance for Bryan Róchez to come in and give us a lift, which he did. He put people under pressure. It was a good night for Bryan because it’s been a difficult and frustrating first season for him. It was nice for him I am really pleased for him. Brek Shea back on the field gives the crowd a lift, and his teammates a lift. When you make two substitutions and they have an effect in the game, it makes you look as though you know what you are doing.”

On if he has a sense of relief after tonight’s win:

“I said before the last game that I thought we were capable of winning our last four home games, and I said this week we are capable of winning our last three home games, and I really believe that. We have New York City FC and Montreal to come here and Chicago and Philly away. All the teams around us are all vying for that last place. We are all going to be in Montreal’s hands, but they have a lot of games to play in not many days. We will see where we go. Tonight gave us another chance and we got close to that red line.”

On Brek Shea having the spark the team needed:

“I have said all along that the playoffs are the goal. The playoffs are still the goal. I think we would be well above that red line had we kept all of our best players fit all season. It is just good to have him back. He can win things in the air, he can run behind people, he can create things. He is more responsible in his defensive duties. You saw the reception he got from the crowd. We will be a better team having him fit and well.”

On Adrian Winters goal being the fastest in Club history:

“It gives you obviously a little bit on confidents. It gives you an opportunity to get settled in the game. Actually I don’t know what he was doing in there because he shouldn’t have been in there. Probably let him do what he wants in the future probably get better positions in the box. It was a good goal for him, and I thought the third goal (his second goal) was an excellent goal. Got a little bit of play from Lewis Neal. Must mention Lewis Neal I thought he played excellent tonight in that role and never gave the ball away. Always looking to get good position and behind that midfield play and get the ball forward and kept the continuity of the game going. I thought he was excellent.”

On how the team keeps themselves focused for getting a playoff spot:

“Well that’s what we have to do. We have a game against New York and Montreal and two more games in-between that we have to go to Chicago and get a result. We have to go to Chicago and prove them other than that they are a very good attacking team. They got really good weapons so we are going to have to play really well. But I want the players to enjoy themselves. We have got the day off tomorrow and then we will start to prepare for Chicago. Because if we could go there and get a result it would be useful to us.”

Brek Shea

On the game:

“It’s a great win tonight. They guys put in a great effort and hopefully the momentum we had tonight carries over to next week.”

“I think we came out and we attacked and we went at them and got a goal early. When we do that it puts them on their heels and us on the front foot and I think that carried us through the game.”

On returning to play:

“Obviously I’ve been out a while. I’m really excited to be back. I felt fine, which is the best part for me. Injuries are never fun no matter if it’s big or small. To come back and to play my first game injury free, pain free is a big plus for me.”

“It’s not fun especially when things aren’t going our way. I want to be out there and I want to do everything I can to help the team. When I’m on the sideline, I can’t do anything but give the guys good luck. So I’m excited to be back out there and help tonight.”

On Brek’s assist:

“I just made a run, Róchez challenged, ball came to me and I was going to goal and he kept running so I just laid off for a simple finish. I was trying to get the ball for a while and luckily got the ball in the goal, which I like to do. It gave us the lead and the momentum to get another goal.”

On the fans being loud and supportive:

“I heard it, but I was focused on going in and just excited to be there. I’m excited to be back on the field and our crowd is amazing. They stick with us through thick and thin so far.”

On team’s motivation:

“If you’re not motivated you probably shouldn’t be here. I think we go out and play like we did tonight and the last few games and do everything we can do, and that’s all we can ask for. If it doesn’t go our way it doesn’t go our way. But we’ll go out and try to get points every chance we get.”

Adrian Winter

Thoughts on scoring two goals for the team:

“It is very important victory for the team. Coach said before the game that we have to make the supporters happy, and win our home games. It was a super free kick from Luke Boden and I scored with the header. It was a great feeling.”

On what made him want to get in the box on Boden’s free kick:

“We practiced this yesterday, and I was supposed to go to second post. I went to the second post and the ball came and I made the goal.”

On getting comfortable with the team and feeling like he is a big part:

“Yeah. We are a team and every player is important. I always want to help the team so today I score two times. But it isn’t important who scores the goals it is important that the team wins the games. I hope it goes like this again.”

Bryan Róchez

On helping the team get a win tonight:

“The most important thing is to help the team get a win tonight. I tried to pass the ball to myself, but Brek caught it. The pass was a good one and thank god, I was able to finish it. We still have the hope of making into the playoffs and we will continue to compete until the last game.

I had a tough time in New Zealand fighting through injuries. I have had to work harder than usual to get back into shape. At this point, it is up to the coach to play me when he sees fit.”

Aurélien Collin

On breaking the losing streak:

“It was a good win, we had our opportunities and we were able to finish them. We know that when we play like we did tonight that we are good and tonight we were able to get the win. The next two games are very important against Chicago and New York, if we can get 6 more points we should be good.”

On what this means going forward:

“Tonight we showed a lot of discipline, from the first minute to the last minute. We were able to score two more goals after they tied so our discipline was amazing.”

Sporting Kansas City Coach Peter Vermes

Thoughts on the game:

“I actually think that in the first half we played well, I really do. I think that obviously the goal that they scored was based off a set piece and credit to them—our guy lost his mark and they scored. Coming out in the second half I thought we were in good shape because I thought we were playing well. I didn’t think we were poor, I thought we were actually moving the ball well and creating some chances. I thought we had good energy. I don’t know what happens based on replay yet on that second goal because I’m not sure if their guy flicks because if he flicks then Brek Shea is offsides. If he doesn’t touch it or nobody touches it, then Brek is not offsides. I don’t know. But regardless of that we should have done a much better job with recovering in the space. The bottom line is that all three goals from my opinion from our perspective were way too soft. But credit to them I thought they had good energy and worked hard, and they took the opportunities when they could.”

Sporting Kansas City Graham Zusi (midfielder):

“It was really fun to play in front of my friends and family for the first time. Obviously, I’m disappointed with the result but to see and hear a lot of familiar faces was fun. I guess they accepted me as the enemy. You hear the occasional jeer, but that’s to be expected. I’m sure they’ll be happy that their home team won.”

Karli Leonard, 17 year Olympia High School Sr. and Four-Year Cancer Survivor:

“It was really scary since I was so young. I was in middle school so not a lot of middle-schoolers go through that. I knew I had to stay strong and continue to fight. I did and now I’m so happy.”

“It’s a rare form of bone cancer and I had it in my fibula. They had to take half of my fibula out.”

“Arnie’s March, we sort of brainstormed this up, it’s during the Arnold Palmer invitational. A bunch of families come out and we walk around the golf course and we raise money, it’s really fun.”

“I really like to be active and bring awareness to it because not a lot of people understand that children get cancer and that it’s really a serious problem. So doing these things and raising awareness is something I want to do the rest of my life.”