All proceeds from the contest will go to the Orlando City Foundation.
The match took on a lighthearted, jovial atmosphere from both the professionals and the children involved. For example, both of Orlando City’s goalkeepers, Joe Bendik and Earl Edwards Jr., played center forward all game, which is new territory for the two keepers.
“Absolutely, absolutely not,” Edwards Jr. answered jokingly when asked if his field-playing days are over. “I thought personally I made an impact. I created chances. I didn’t finish mine, but I’ll be back next year.”
When the Pros scored their first goal to tie it at 1-1, the fans instantly started booing the pros for picking on a bunch of kids. Pride forward, Chi Ubogagu was Snapchatting while dribbling the ball to the goal to tie the game at 3 goals apiece right before halftime.
“I don’t know if I was really playing, I was more filming than playing.” Said Ubogagu about filming while playing the kids. “But it was cool; the environment was awesome. So, hopefully, I got some good footage!”
In the second half, the Pros put Orlando City’s number six pick from the MLS draft, Chris Mueller in goal.
“Yeah, one kid that slotted it on a breakaway against Chris in the second half.” Said Edward Jr. on whether any of the kids impressed him. “I know Chris was trying because he was determined not to let anyone score. When he did, I thought it was hilarious because we saw full effort from Chris. It was an impressive finish.”
The game ultimately ended in a 6-6 tie. The kids tied the game up basically at the buzzer by putting a penalty kick in the bottom corner.
“Well, when we were taking the penalty Bendik just started flipping me over.” Said 9-year-old Henry Freeman about his unique experience in the game.
Overall, it was a fantastic event for the children in the Orlando area to get up close and personal with some of their favorite soccer players, and it showed on the pitch!