ORLANDO - February 13, 2015 - The second event in the 2014-15 Generation adidas Cup kicked off at the Seminole Soccer Complex in Lake Mary on Friday afternoon with all six teams in the East Region back in action for their third match of this year’s competition.
The opening game of the afternoon featured third place Philadelphia Union and DC United, who were still looking for their first points of the tournament. United came out strong and controlled much of the possession in the first half, but were unable to capitalize on the few goal scoring chances they created. DC would later regret their missed opportunities as Philadelphia’s Nixon took advantage of a miscommunication between the defender and the goalkeeper to give the Union a 1-0 advantage 24 minutes into the second half. Despite a push from United, the Union held on to their slim lead and claimed their first victory of the competition.
The two remaining unbeaten teams in the region, Toronto FC and New York Red Bulls met in the second match of the day in a thrilling contest. The Red Bulls stormed to an early 2-0 advantage through goals from Saramago and Marin. However, the game was far from decided as Toronto’s Ennin scored a much-needed rescuer at the beginning of the second half. Tensions flared as the game drew to a close, with the Red Bull’s Teixeria being yellow carded following a scrap between the two squads. With just one minute left to play in regulation, Boakye sent Toronto’s bench into celebration with a last-gasp equalizer that sent the game into penalties. However, the Red Bulls would win the day and take the match 3-1 in penalties to claim first place in the group.
The final match of the day included the hometown team Orlando City SC and the New England Revolution. City jumped on the board first after taking advantage of a chaotic play in the penalty box through Haig’s poke from just a few yards out. However, Orlando’s lead didn’t last long, as a long ball found the Revolution’s Jennings in space who skilfully chipped the advancing goalkeeper. Orlando City responded well to the Revs equalizer, taking the lead just six minutes later when Lior converted on the counter-attack. Orlando maintained their advantage, holding off the opposition to secure a 2-1 victory.
The 2014-15 Generation adidas Cup resumes Saturday, February 14th, at 3pm ET when the Philadelphia Union kick off against Toronto FC.
