HOUSTON – March 13, 2015 – Orlando City Soccer Club (1-0-1, 4 points) won its first-ever game as a Major League Soccer (MLS) club in Houston on Friday night, marking another milestone for the Club as the Lions defeated the Houston Dynamo (1-1-0, 3 points) 1-0 at BBVA Compass Stadium.
After 73 minutes of scoreless action, second half substitute Pedro Ribeiro forced an own-goal from Houston goalkeeper Tyler Deric after applying unrelenting pressure on a back-pass. Deric’s heavy touch was deflected by the Brazilian striker before bouncing into the back of the net to provide the visitors with the 1-0 advantage.
On the other end of the pitch, the Lions’ defense kept Houston’s potent attack from recording any chances on target, protecting goalkeeper Donovan Ricketts. In two matches played, Orlando City has only allowed one effort on frame.
“I thought tonight we started to play the football the way we can, and some of our play at times was excellent,” said Head Coach Adrian Heath. “I didn’t think the goal was going to come but eventually it did. It wasn’t the greatest goal or the prettiest he’s (Ribeiro) scored, but I can honestly say it’s probably one of the most important for us.”
First Half:
2’ Kevin Molino provided the first chance of the game after being played in behind the Dynamo defense by defender Rafael Ramos. The midfielder had a clear chance on goal from inside the box but hit his final effort wide.
13’ With both sides maintaining equal possession of the ball, the opening portion of the first half featured a slower pace. However, Orlando came close to scoring once again when Ramos was released down the right-hand-side by Lewis Neal. The Portuguese defender floated a ball toward Kaká, who was surging into the box, but Ramos’ cross was just too far in front of the Brazilian.
15’ Shortly afterward, City’s momentum continued to increase when Rivas turned and hit a powerful left-footed effort from the edge of the area. The Colombian’s strike created a nervous moment for Deric as it flew just inches above the crossbar.
20’ Five minutes later, Houston’s first chance of the game took place when veteran midfielder Brad Davis lined up a strong shot from the left side of the box. Fortunately for the Lions, Ramos was in a good position to deflect it wide for a corner.
35’ With ten minutes remaining in the opening 45, Houston and Orlando continued to battle for a clear chance on target as both sides continued to probe for the first goal of the game.
40’ Moments before the halftime whistle, Molino was brought down just outside the 18-yard-box after skillfully weaving past two Dynamo defenders. Kaká stepped up to take the ensuing set-piece, hoping to recreate his stoppage time magic from the Lions’ opening fixture against New York. The Brazilian hit a curling effort that seemed destined to find the top corner, however Deric managed to make a fantastic finger-tip save to push it wide.
45’ Kaká’s free-kick was the final chance of the half, as both teams entered the locker room level at 0-0.
Second Half:
51’ Orlando began the second half on the strong foot when Molino and Kaká’s combination in the box resulted in a deflection landing perfectly to Lewis Neal, who was lurking on the edge of the box. Neal’s final effort skipped wide of the far post.
64’ The action continued in the 64th minute when Kaká charged down the left side, flicking the ball over a sliding Dynamo defender, before bursting into the box. With a tough angle at the near post, City’s playmaker attempted to slot it through Deric’s legs, but the goalkeeper did well to make the save.
70’ With twenty minutes remaining in the match, Houston played a series of dangerous balls into the area, but City’s defense remained intact to prevent the Texas-based club from producing its first chance on target.
74’ As the Lions’ defense managed Houston’s attacking players, second half substitute Pedro Ribeiro forced the first goal of the game. Ribeiro was able to deflect Deric’s heavy touch before battling with the goalkeeper to will the ball into the back of the net.
80’ To provide additional defensive support, Orlando head coach Adrian Heath brought on midfielder Eric Avila for Kaká with ten minutes remaining in the match.
88’ In the waning moments of the match, Houston was awarded a dangerous free-kick from 30 yards away. However, Davis’ whipped ball into the box was headed away by the Orlando defense.
90’ After three minutes of stoppage time, the referee blew the final whistle, resulting in Orlando’s first win in MLS.
Watch Full Highlights
Scoring Summary:
ORL – Tyler Deric (Own Goal) 74’
Lineups/Substitutions:
Orlando City SC – GK Donovan Ricketts, D Rafael Ramos, Sean St. Ledger, Seb Hines, Brek Shea, M Kevin Molino, Darwin Cerén, Kaká (Eric Avila 81’), Amobi Okugo, Lewis Neal, F Carlos Rivas (Pedro Ribeiro 54’)
Houston Dynamo – GK Tyler Deric, D Kofie Sarkodie, David Horst, Jermaine Taylor, DeMarcus Beasley, M Leonel Miranda (Will Bruin 52’), Ricardo Clark, Luis Garrido, Brad Davis, F Boniek Garcia, Giles Barnes
Match Facts:
Time of Match: 7:00 p.m. EST
Weather: Clear
March 13, 2015
Attendance: 22,407
Disciplinary Summary:
HOU - Kofie Sarkodie (Yellow Card) 34’
ORL - Amobi Okugo (Yellow Card) 46’
Statistics:
Shots:
ORL – 5
HOU – 4
Fouls:
ORL – 13
HOU – 13
Offside:
ORL – 1
HOU – 0
Corners:
ORL – 3
HOU – 6
Saves:
ORL - 0
HOU - 3
Orlando's next match is against the Vancouver Whitecaps FC at the Orlando Citrus Bowl on March 21 at 7:30 p.m. ET.
