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.
Head Coach Adrian Heath
“I thought tonight we started to play the football the way we can, and some of our play at times was excellent. 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.”
“I think we were the better team for the second game running and we deserved to get the three points.
“I thought we matched up with Houston really well and, when we started to quicken things up in the second half, we started to open them up. This is a notoriously difficult place to play, and to play as well as we did bodes well for the future.”
