JACKSONVILLE - Orlando City SC returned to the pitch this evening to begin its Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup run to defeat North American Soccer League’s (NASL) Jacksonville Armada FC 1-0, advancing to the Round of 16 of the nation’s oldest soccer tournament. The match at Southern Oak Stadium opened with a beautiful dedication to those affected by the saddening incidents that occurred in the City of Orlando.

“I knew it was going to be a difficult night and that’s how it proved to be. You don’t get easy games in the Cup. Teams that are playing supposedly below you, they want to prove to everybody that they want to be in our league and I expected a tough game and that’s what we got,” said Head Coach Adrian Heath. “I thought we played quite well in the second half, we got some ball possession and actually moved the ball quite well. We sort of tempered with the shape of the team a little bit in the second half, and I thought it helped us.”

City, led by Servando Carrasco, who wore the captain's armband for the first time as a Lion, began the match clicking on all cylinders after enjoying a 17-day break for Copa America Centenario. Orlando threatened the Armada FC’s goal seconds into the match, when speedy winger Carlos Rivas surpassed the defenders down the left flank and found Julio Baptista at the edge of the box, but the Brazilian’s shot went inches over the crossbar.

However, the Lions continued applying pressure on the attacking end, registering 13 shots and eventually finding the back of the net on the 62nd minute from a set-piece play. Midfielder Antonio Nocerino found Baptista inside the box on a corner kick, and ‘The Beast’ headed it into the far post before David Mateos finished it past former Orlando City goalkeeper Miguel Gallardo. It was the Spaniard’s first goal with the Lions.

Despite Jacksonville’s efforts to level the game, an outstanding outing by starting goalkeeper Earl Edwards Jr., who made four saves, and City’s backline solid performance, sealed the victory for the Lions to advance to the next round of the historic tournament.

Orlando City returns to the Camping World Stadium on Saturday, June 18, to host the San Jose Earthquakes at 7:30 p.m. E.T.