VIDEO: Orlando City Draws With New England After Controversial Call In Closing Seconds
By Orlando City SC // April 18, 2016
ABOVE VIDEO: Highlights front the Orlando City vs. New England matchup. (OC Video)
ORLANDO, FLORIDA – Fueled by 36,048 supporters at the Orlando Citrus Bowl, Orlando City SC (2-1-3, 9 points) surprised the New England Revolution (1-1-5, 7 points) with a penalty-kick call 36 seconds after the opening whistle, marking the quickest penalty kick scored in Major League Soccer (MLS) history, and went on to draw 2-2 after a controversial stoppage-time decision that awarded the visiting team with a game-tying opportunity.
“I think we’ve left a few points on the table at home and, hopefully, that won’t come back to hurt us later in the year,” said Orlando City Head Coach Adrian Heath.
“As I’ve said before, this is an intimidating place to come and play. I thought our fans were absolutely magnificent again today. That’s what football is about.”
First-time starter and attacking forward, Julio Baptista, debuted in his first match at the Orlando Citrus Bowl, making strong contributions right out of the gate. The Brazilian helped open the scoring sheet by drawing the early penalty kick that was ultimately converted by Kaká.
Heath made two key substitutions early in the second half to increase City’s offensive pressure, introducing birthday boy, Cyle Larin, and Kevin Molino, who featured in his 100th match as a Lion.
After a first half that ended 1-1 on Kaká’s penalty and a 37th minute goal by Teal Bunbury, Molino secured his second goal of the season with a low, driven shot past Revs’ goalkeeper Bobby Shuttleworth in stoppage time.
The score looked like it would be the game-winner, but a contentious call in the 94+ minute granted the Revolution a penalty kick that was converted by Lee Nguyen.
Nguyen’s goal was setup after second-half substitute Servando Carrasco was whistled for a debatable handball, with the ball originally placed just outside the penalty area.
However, after a few minutes of discussion, head referee Baldomero Toledo changed his decision and awarded the uncontested shot from 12 yards out, leading to the 2-2 final.
“When you score that late, obviously you think you’ve won the game. I can’t fault the players for their effort in the second half, they played with a lot of passion,” Heath added.
“I thought when we had possession on their end of the field, we looked dangerous, we just didn’t keep it in [New England’s] half often.”
Next, Orlando City heads out for a two-game road swing, first traveling to face the New York Red Bulls on April 24 before facing the Revolution again, this time on April 30 at Gillette Stadium.
The Club returns to the Citrus Bowl on May 6, when it hosts the Red Bulls at 7 p.m. ET.
