SANFORD, Fla.— The Orlando City U23s drew VSI Tampa Bay FC 1-1 on Wednesday May 22, at Seminole Soccer Complex in Sanford, Fla. Striker Tyler Blackwood equalized the match for the Lions in stoppage time, notching his third goal of the 2013 season.

“I’m really pleased with the players’ attitude and desire not to be beaten,” said Head Coach Paul Shaw. “There’s a lot to work on, and we need to improve in many areas. One thing that I cannot doubt is their character.”

The Lions began the match struggling to maintain possession, but as time wore on they began combining more effectively in different areas of the pitch. Midfielder Michael Annarumma was very active in many of the Lions’ combination plays, and provided the U23s’ first chance of the match.

In the 24th minute of play, Annarumma received the ball just outside the 18 yard box and struck a powerful effort that went just over the bar, keeping VSI Goalkeeper Brenton Muahammad on his toes. VSI had several chances of their own in the first half, but the U23s held solid defensive lines and seemed to be a more cohesive unit in only their third match together in Orlando City colors.

The Lions spent the rest of the first half controlling the tempo but were unable to produce any quality chances, despite their probing efforts. As a result, both sides headed into the break tied 0-0. However, the second half began with Orlando City being the more aggressive side in the opening minutes. Midfielder Itode Fubara set the tone early in the second half with a powerful effort to force a corner in the 59th minute of play. In light of Fubara’s effort, the U23s began sending more numbers forward- creating several opportunities for multiple Lions.

VSI, on the other hand, took advantage of the Lions sending a large amount of players forward and began creating opportunities through counter attacks. After numerous chances on goal, the Tampa side would eventually breakthrough in the 70th minute of play when Midfielder Stiven Salinas found Midfielder Josey Portillo from a corner kick. Portillo controlled the ball well and calmly struck his effort past Goalkeeper Tomas Gomez, giving VSI a 1-0 lead.

In the 80th minute the Lions nearly responded when Striker Tyler Blackwood weaved through the VSI defense on the left hand side of the pitch, and found fellow Striker Ian Svantesson- who narrowly missed the target. As the half continued, finding the back of the net became increasingly difficult for the Lions, when Midfielder Paul Clowes was sent off in 83rd minute after receiving a second yellow card.

Despite being reduced to ten men, the Lions would remain persistent in their efforts to equalize the match and would be rewarded in stoppage time. After a series of deflections in VSI’s 18 yard box, Striker Tyler Blackwood capitalized on VSI’s poor defending and slotted the ball home with less than a minute remaining. The referee blew the final whistle shortly after Blackwood’s conversion- resulting in a 1-1 draw.

The Lions now turn their attention to the Panama City Beach Pirates, who host the U23’s on Saturday May 25, at Gavlak Stadium in Panama City, Fla. The match is set to kick off at 8:30 p.m. Central.