Ian Fuller’s game winner in the 88th minute secured Orlando City a 3-2 home victory over visiting Pittsburgh Riverhounds, Saturday evening, as the reigning USL Pro Champions remain unbeaten.
6,722 fans packed the Florida Citrus Bowl despite the Orlando Magic playing game four of their quarter final Eastern Conference match-up against the Pacers.
Head Coach Adrian Heath was full of praise for Dennis Chinn, who added his third goal of the season and inspired a late rally win.
“We know what he’s capable of,” said Heath. “He’s making it more, and more difficult for me to not start him.”
Despite picking up a concussion in lasts week home draw against the Richmond Kickers, Miguel Gallardo was named to Coach Adrian Heath’s starting IV.
“He’s our starting goalkeeper. If he’s fit, he plays,” said Heath.
The first half ended 0-0, however, Heath’s second half changes gave City great momentum.
Dennis Chinn, who came in as a substitute for Max Griffin at half time, added his third goal of the season when he opened up the scoring in the 68th minute.
“Coach Adrian is such a good coach, I could just trust him,” said Chinn. “I feel like I have a point to prove to myself, so I can help the team.”
Pittsburgh got back in the game in the 79th minute when Shintaro Harada’s shot bounced off City’s Wes Allen for an own goal.
Moments later, Ian Fuller connected a clear pass to Charlie Campbell in the 80th minute to bring back the Lions 2-1.
Matt Kassel fired a rocket shot in the 85th minute to even the score 2-2 for the Riverhounds.
With the score at a 2-2 deadlock in the 88th minute, Kevin Molino’s crisped passed went through the Riverhounds defense, as Ian Fuller blasted the lone ball to the back of the net for the game winner
“The goal?, if I would of missed that, then they would of drove me off and never put me on again,” said Ian Fuller on his game winner. “Other than that, my performance, I thought, was very average.”
Orlando City (4-1-0) now have their sights on Antigua Barracuda, where Back to back road games will prove to be pivotal for the defending champions.
The Lions are back home May 25, when they host the Los Angeles Blues.
