Team                1 2 Final
Orlando City U23s    0 0 0
Panama City Pirates  1 0 1

Scoring Summary:
PAN- Matt Raines (William Monsour) 33’

Lineups/Substitutions:
Orlando City U23s- Tomas Gomez, Dwayne James (Evan Greenbaum 75’), Kyle Fisher, Cole Seiler, Tom Skelly, Adedaja Akinsanya, Itode Fubara, Mike Annarumma, Daniel Barboto (Andrew Clare 85’), Ian Svantesson (Derek McCaffrey 45’), Tyler Blackwood

Panama City Beach Pirates- Sean Lewis, Steeven Raymont, Taian de Souza, Andrew Beasley, Nasser Charif (Tyler Fabian 91’), Drew Russell, William Monsour, Michael Lightbourne, Seth Prieto (John Saye Jr. 65’), Brandon Barboro

Penalty Summary:
ORL- Adedaja Akinsanya (Red) 18’
ORL- Michael Annarumma (Yellow) 82’
PAN- Drew Russell (Red) 82’

Match Facts:
Time of Match: 8:30 p.m. EST
Weather: Clear

Orlando City U23s Fall 1-0 to Panama City Beach Pirates
After going down a man early, Lions were unable to secure equalizer

PANAMA CITY BEACH, Fla.— The Panama City Beach Pirates defeated the Orlando City U23s 1-0 on Saturday night at Mike Gavlak Stadium, in Panama City Beach, Fla. The Lions went down a man early in the first half and were unable to produce an equalizer, despite being stronger side.

The Lions began the match in dominating fashion and created their first clear chance to score in the 5th minute of play. Stemming from a mistake in the Pirates’ backline, the U23s rapidly sent numbers forward and played speedy Striker Tyler Blackwood in behind Panama’s defense. Blackwood, who has three goals through three matches for the Lions, controlled the ball well but placed his effort just wide of the target.

As the first half continued, the Lions continued to control the tempo and dominate possession but were reduced to ten men in the 18th minute- when Midfielder Adedaja Akinsanya was sent off for a reckless challenge in the area. Defender Drew Russell stepped forward to take the penalty for the Pirates, but was unable to capitalize as Goalkeeper Tomas Gomez made a heroic save to keep the match scoreless.

The Pirates then had the advantage and began coordinating a wave of attacking plays, allowing Panama to eventually breakthrough in the 33rd minute of play. Pirates Midfielder William Monsour caused a turnover deep in the Lions’ territory, and found Striker Matt Raines on the left hand side of the pitch. After taking a touch to settle the ball, Raines calmly slotted his effort into the far post with his left foot.

The second half began very similar to the first as the Lions were once again the stronger side in the opening minutes. In the 60th minute a free kick taken by Defender Tom Skelly from just outside the 18-yard box nearly resulted in an equalizer. Skelly whipped the ball into the area, finding Blackwood on the far post who snapped a header on frame- forcing a great save from Goalkeeper Sean Lewis.

Regardless of being a man down, the U23s were unremitting in their efforts to score and continued to pressure the Pirates. With ten minutes remaining in the match, Midfielder Itode Fubara found Defender Kyle Fisher from a corner- who nodded the ball on target. Lewis once again collapsed to the ground in a last stitch effort, and deflected the ball wide.

For the remainder of the match, Panama continued to hold strong defense lines and would go on to secure their first victory of the season. The Lions (1-1-1, 3 points) now turn their attention to IMG Bradenton Academics, who host the U23s on Wednesday, May 29. Kickoff is set for 12 p.m.

About Orlando City Soccer Club:

Orlando City Soccer Club (OCSC) is a premier professional soccer sports franchise in the United States and is a member of the USL PRO. The Lion’s pro team has won two regular season titles and one postseason championship during their short time in Orlando. Outside of the pro squad, OCSC also has their own youth club, Orlando City Youth Soccer (OCYS) and a U23s team that participates in the PDL. For more information on the pro and youth clubs, visit www.orlandocitysoccer.com and www.orlandocityyouth.org.

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