Orlando City Lions Battle Early, Fall 4-1 To Toronto FC

By  //  August 6, 2015

In its second match in five days, Orlando City SC (7-10-6, 27 points) fell to Toronto FC (9-8-4, 31 points) 4-1 at BMO Field on Wednesday night. Despite missing Kaka for the second time this season, along with several additional players out due to injury, Orlando City managed to open the game on the strong foot by creating a number of threatening chances early on. (Orlando City image)
In its second match in five days, Orlando City SC (7-10-6, 27 points) fell to Toronto FC (9-8-4, 31 points) 4-1 at BMO Field on Wednesday night. Despite missing Kaka for the second time this season, along with several additional players out due to injury, Orlando City managed to open the game on the strong foot by creating a number of threatening chances early on. (Orlando City image)

TORONTO, CANADA – In its second match in five days, Orlando City SC (7-10-6, 27 points) fell to Toronto FC (9-8-4, 31 points) 4-1 at BMO Field on Wednesday night.

Despite missing Kaka for the second time this season, along with several additional players out due to injury, Orlando City managed to open the game on the strong foot by creating a number of threatening chances early on.

In the third minute of play, 20-year-old rookie Cyle Larin escaped for a one-on-one opportunity after receiving Corey Ashe’s ball over the top.

However, Toronto goalkeeper Joe Bendik produced a crucial diving save to prevent the Canadian from scoring and breaking the rookie goal-scoring record.

Shortly afterward, Sebastian Giovinco tallied the first of his three goals on the night, after forcing a penalty in the 12th minute.

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City responded five minutes later when strong build up play from Cristian Higuita and Darwin Ceren created space for Luke Boden to curl an effort into the back of the net from the edge of the area, leveling the scoreline and marking Boden’s first career MLS goal.

However, the second half featured three additional goals for the Reds, beginning with a free-kick from Giovinco that rattled off the post and into the back of the net in the 56th minute of play.

Collen Warner’s header and Giovinco’s finish on a counter-attack in the final ten minutes of the match secured the 4-1 victory for the home side.

Adrian Heath
Adrian Heath

“I thought we started quite bright. Cyle had a couple of early opportunities, and I thought we started okay,” said head coach Adrian Heath.

“But as I said to the players at halftime, I thought we were fortunate to still be in the game with the way that we played. I was disappointed with the response in the second half. We have to get better, and the players who we’re bringing in can’t come quickly enough.”