Barracuda FC’s Tamarley “Ziggy” Thomas on the attack. (Photo by Thaddeus Price)

ST JOHN’S, Antigua – Orlando City earned a 2-1 comeback victory against Antigua Barracuda FC on Sunday night at Sir Vivian Richards Cricket Grounds as Max Griffin and Wes Allen each found the back of the net.

The win was the Lions’ second on their trip to the Caribbean, and allowed them to remain undefeated this season and return to the top of the USL PRO standings.

Antigua took the lead in the 20th minute as Stefan Smith was brought down in the penalty area by Keiron Bernard, giving the ‘Cudas a penalty kick.

      Quinton Griffith slotted his shot home into the left corner of the net.

Antigua’s lead was short-lived, however, as the Lions equalised just six minutes later as Griffin latched onto John Rooney’s through-ball into the right side of the penalty area and shot home into the left corner of the net.

Orlando had the better of the play from that point on, pressing forward repeatedly heading into the halftime break.

The Lions continued to press to start the second half, and Allen scored what proved to be the game-winner in the 49th minute, rising to head home Anthony Pulis’ corner kick.

Though the Lions took the lead for good early in the half, they never took their foot off the gas.

Kevin Molino added a spark to the lineup, coming on in the 62nd minute. Molino regularly found space near the top of the box, and nearly struck gold in the 72nd minute. His shot was deflected, but fell just wide of the post.

Both Dennis Chin and Jamie Watson had goals called off for offside and a foul respectively.

Antigua had a late chance to find an equaliser, Griffith’s diving header from 12 yards out flashing wide of the left post.

But while the ‘Cudas pressed in stoppage time with Tamarley Thomas’ long throw-ins causing some difficulties in the Lions’ penalty area, Orlando was able to hold on to take all three points.

Barracuda FC take a break before their next contest as the club’s players begin their preparations to represent the Antigua & Barbuda national team in their upcoming World Cup Qualifiers, which open in Tampa, Florida on Friday, June 8 against the United States.

The ‘Cudas next play in USL PRO on Thursday, June 15 against the Charleston Battery.