Soccer

Orlando City earns point with scoreless draw at Pittsburgh

PITTSBURGH, Pa. — Orlando City SC (11-2-6, 39 points) played to a 0-0 draw Wednesday night against the Pittsburgh Riverhounds (5-6-7, 22 points) at Highmark Stadium in Pittsburgh, Penn. Sporting Kansas City loanee and Goalkeeper Jon Kempin made key saves throughout the match as the Lions secured a point on the road.

Orlando began attacking as the first half began, with multiple chances resulting out of the early offensive. One of those early attacks nearly resulted in a score, with Midfielders Jamie Watson and Adama Mbengue connecting on a through ball in the 20th minute. After finding himself behind the Riverhound backline, Mbengue's shot rolled inches right of the post and out of danger.

Pittsburgh responded with attacks of their own, with shots off the crossbar in consecutive minutes (24th and 25th) keeping Orlando on their heels.

Orlando Goalkeeper Jon Kempin, who was making his fourth straight start for the Lions, was tested often in the 1st half – including a penalty kick in the 37th minute of play. After the referee pointed to the spot due to a takedown of a Pittsburgh striker, the Kansas native correctly guessed Jose Angulo's attempt- diving to the left for the save and clearance.

The second half played out much like the first, with each team seeing equal amounts of chances and possession. Kempin came up big in the second half as well, making a key save on an Angulo turn inside the six-yard box in the 74th minute- with the keeper punching it up and over the crossbar.

A few late near-connections via corner kicks by the Lions came close to getting into the back of the net, but the final whistle blew before a score was made- ending the match at 0-0.

The result was the club’s first scoreless draw in the 2013 USL PRO season. It also marked Orlando’s second straight draw on the road, with the Lions’ last result 3-3 away against the Dayton Dutch Lions.

The Lions return home for a match against the Harrisburg City Islanders at Fifth Third Bank Field at the Florida Citrus Bowl this Saturday, July 20. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. Orlando and Harrisburg have met once in 2013, with the game ending in a 2-2 draw at Skyline Sports Complex in Harrisburg, Penn., back on May 17.