Orlando City Roars Past Galaxy 4-0 To Secure First Win At Citrus Bowl

By  //  May 18, 2015

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Orlando City SC (3-5-3, 12 points) won its first game at the Orlando Citrus Bowl in commanding fashion before 40,122 fans on Sunday night, defeating the reigning Major League Soccer (MLS) Cup Champions LA Galaxy (3-4-5, 14 points) 4-0. (Orlando City Image)

ORLANDO – Orlando City SC (3-5-3, 12 points) won its first game at the Orlando Citrus Bowl in commanding fashion before 40,122 fans on Sunday night, defeating the reigning Major League Soccer (MLS) Cup Champions LA Galaxy (3-4-5, 14 points) 4-0.

The win was the largest margin of victory by an expansion team over a defending MLS champion in MLS history, and marked the second highest attended game for the Lions.

Orlando City has averaged 37,446 fans per home game this season, a record for the first six stand-alone MLS home games for an expansion team.

Featuring a lineup that included Tally Hall in the starting XI and Martin Paterson in the 18-man roster, Orlando City jumped off to an early lead when Eric Avila headed home Brek Shea’s assist in the 12th minute after fantastic combination from the Lions deep in LA’s half, beginning with Rafael Ramos and Kaká on the right-hand-side.

Avila’s finish was the first time Orlando has led at home all season.

cyle larin
cyle larin

As the first half came to a close, Orlando’s strong attacking play in the final third continued when Kaká skillfully beat his defender before setting up rookie Cyle Larin for his fourth goal of the season, providing the Lions with a 2-0 advantage going into halftime.

Kaká’s man-of-the-match worthy performance carried over into the second half when the playmaker converted from 12 yards away, after being brought down in the box, sending LA goalkeeper Jaime Penedo the wrong way.

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Defensive midfielder Darwin Cerén added the final blow in the 72nd minute, scoring from distance as his shot took a slight deflection on its way to the goal.

Adrian Heath
Adrian Heath

“I’m delighted for everybody connected with the Club, especially the supporters who have been incredible,” said head coach Adrian Heath.

“I’m really pleased for the players because they’ve been working so hard. Overall, it’s been a pleasing day for everybody, for my staff, and more importantly the supporters. The most important thing for us is to continue to do what is right. We spoke all week about trying to play more aggressively. ”