Orlando (Wednesday, 6/20)- After playing their best game of the season against the Central Florida Kraze the Pumas had to fight to the closing minutes to earn 3 points against Ajax Orlando. In their second game of the week, the Pumas traveled to Orlando for another important divisional match against a dangerous Ajax America team. Ajax is playing with great pride after coming up short in each of their games in the first half of the season.

 

The Pumas scored first in the 31^st minute when Stephen Hogan slipped behind the Ajax defense. Ajax would tie it before half on a goal off of a corner kick.  Ajax would go on top in the 70^th minute of another goal off of a corner.  The Pumas would fight back however.  Carl Sheard assisted 2 goals in the final 11 minutes to Ian Bennett and Milos Bajic and give the Pumas a much needed 3 points.

 

Coach Bobby Lennon said, “I was impressed with our team tonight because it was hard game to get up for and we won because of great determination. I think our players knew a loss would have put our season in jeopardy.  In the last 20 minutes our guys wanted the result more than they did. This is a mentality and attitude has been missing in our program in years past.”

 

The Pumas play their next game at the International Polo Club in Wellington on Saturday, July 1 at 5pm. The Pumas are 4 points behind the first place Central Florida Kraze. The Kraze play the the Augusta Fireball, who beat the Pumas earlier this season 3-1, this Saturday in Orlando. August lost to the Bradenton Academics on Thursday night 4-2 in Bradenton. The important Bradenton victory keeps the Academics tied in 2^nd place with the Pumas in the PDL Southeast Division.