Written By: Shanae Austin
Melbourne, FL- Pierre Da Silva notched his first professional goal helping Orlando City B capture a 2-1 victory over Charlotte Independence Saturday night. Lions forward Craig Nitti scored the game winner off an assist from Da Silva.
The first half was a back and forth affair, with both teams trading shots and cards. In the 11th minute it looked as if Charlotte was going to get on the board first, as they had an opportunity inside the box. But OCB defender Kyle McFadden was able to clear the danger.
In the 16th minute we saw our first yellow card, which was given to Charlotte defender Joel Johnson. OCB saw there first yellow in the 18th minute being given to Tyler Turner. Independence defender Patrick Slogic was given the only other yellow card in the first half.
Charlotte’s Brian Brown was able to get the first goal on the board in the 33rd minute coming off an assist from Slogic. Shots at halftime were in favor of Charlotte 4-2.
In the second half Orlando City started to catch fire. It was in 53rd minute that Pierre Da Silva scored the equalizer from OCB coming off the assist from Richie Laryea. The Lions kept the pressure on, defending two quick corners by Charlotte. Then it was Tony Rocha getting in on the action for OCB with a shot that went just wide in the 68th minute.
The Lions finally struck eureka with Craig Nitti putting in a header just past the keeper, coming off a set piece from Da Silva in the 71st minute. This gave OCB a 2-1 lead and a chance to control the rest of the game.
“Was pleased to get the guys in at halftime cause we could tweak a couple of things, and the response 2nd half was outstanding. I’m really pleased with he win.” Said OCB manager Anthony Pulis of his teams 2nd half performance.
Charlotte was only able to get one more shot off, as the Lions continued to put pressure on and control possession. As the final whistle blew, OCB had sealed the victory improving there overall record to 4-5-2 on the season.
OCB now has a little over a week to prepare for their next matchup, which will be against Louisville City FC. The match is scheduled for a 7:30pm ET kick at the Titan Soccer Complex in Melbourne, FL on June 5th 2016.
The first half was a back and forth affair, with both teams trading shots and cards. In the 11th minute it looked as if Charlotte was going to get on the board first, as they had an opportunity inside the box. But OCB defender Kyle McFadden was able to clear the danger.
In the 16th minute we saw our first yellow card, which was given to Charlotte defender Joel Johnson. OCB saw there first yellow in the 18th minute being given to Tyler Turner. Independence defender Patrick Slogic was given the only other yellow card in the first half.
Charlotte’s Brian Brown was able to get the first goal on the board in the 33rd minute coming off an assist from Slogic. Shots at halftime were in favor of Charlotte 4-2.
In the second half Orlando City started to catch fire. It was in 53rd minute that Pierre Da Silva scored the equalizer from OCB coming off the assist from Richie Laryea. The Lions kept the pressure on, defending two quick corners by Charlotte. Then it was Tony Rocha getting in on the action for OCB with a shot that went just wide in the 68th minute.
The Lions finally struck eureka with Craig Nitti putting in a header just past the keeper, coming off a set piece from Da Silva in the 71st minute. This gave OCB a 2-1 lead and a chance to control the rest of the game.
“Was pleased to get the guys in at halftime cause we could tweak a couple of things, and the response 2nd half was outstanding. I’m really pleased with he win.” Said OCB manager Anthony Pulis of his teams 2nd half performance.
Charlotte was only able to get one more shot off, as the Lions continued to put pressure on and control possession. As the final whistle blew, OCB had sealed the victory improving there overall record to 4-5-2 on the season.
OCB now has a little over a week to prepare for their next matchup, which will be against Louisville City FC. The match is scheduled for a 7:30pm ET kick at the Titan Soccer Complex in Melbourne, FL on June 5th 2016.