Orlando City SC (6-6-5, 23 points) continued its impressive run at home, extending its unbeaten streak to five games with a convincing 2-0 win over the Colorado Rapids (2-5-9, 15 points) before a boisterous crowd of 23,372. (Orlando City Image)
ORLANDO, FLORIDA – Orlando City SC (6-6-5, 23 points) continued its impressive run at home, extending its unbeaten streak to five games with a convincing 2-0 win over the Colorado Rapids (2-5-9, 15 points) before a boisterous crowd of 23,372.
The Lions controlled much of play from early on, securing a number of close chances in the opening minutes of the match and controlling possession in the half by a margin of 62-38.
Kaká led the team in the attack for the evening, recording seven shots on goal – a high for the captain this season.
Colorado had a couple of good opportunities on goal, including a breakaway by Luis Solignac, which was saved by a charging Tally Hall.
Despite the Lions’ aggressive attacking play, the half ended deadlocked at 0-0.
In the start of the second half, the Lions continued to mount the pressure in search for the opening goal.
Carlos Rivas, a first half substitution for Brek Shea, inspired the team in the second half, beating two defenders to play a cross into Cyle Larin, who tapped in a brilliant goal in the 62nd minute.
Three minutes later, Colombian Cristian Higuita played a ball to Kaká, who scored his eighth goal of the season, tying him for second in the league. GK Hall held on to preserve his second consecutive clean sheet at home, and third of the season.
Adrian Heath
“I’m obviously delighted with the win. I thought it was a magnificent effort from the guys, considering that we’ve had four games in 10, 11 days, along with all of the traveling that we’ve done,” said head coach Adrian Heath.
“I was concerned when we got back from Montreal because we have so many players carrying knocks at the minute. It’s unbelievable. To put in the effort that they’ve done and to work as hard as they’ve done.”
“To get the result was nothing short of fantastic from their point of view. Great commitment, desire, and it was a great response from the disappointment of Saturday night,” said Heath.
