Written By: Elliot Nunez
Kaká scored the lone goal in front of the crowd of 30,054 fans at the Orlando Citrus Bowl as they witnessed an imperative MLS Eastern Conference matchup as the Orlando City Lions shutout D.C. United 1 to 0. This was the third time these two teams have met this season and tensions corresponded accordingly.
From the get-go the Lions moved the ball fluently up and down the field, especially on left side where defender Luke Boden and midfielder Brek Shea caused chaos for D.C.’s defense.
“I just think the team has grown together, the team’s jelling and the comradely within the group is getting better by the minute.” Coach Heath said when asked about the 1-0 shutout.
With the Lions chemistry in tact, the Lions pressure on offense grew rapidly which caused D.C. to ensue a penalty in the box. This set up a Penalty Kick from Orlando City leading scorer Kaka who headed his own rebound off the deflection of D.C. goalkeeper Bill Hamid into goal.
“I can say that I was a little bit lucky because Hamid is a very good goalkeeper. The save that he made before was amazing. And he saved the penalty as well. I was a little bit lucky. The ball came back to me, and I scored using my head.” –Said Kaka when asked about the only goal of the night.
Right after the goal during the 30th minute, due to the humidity on the field, we witnessed an MLS groundbreaking moment. The first ever MLS water break.
“I mean it’s important and I wish they would have done it in years past. It’s dangerous and you don’t take a few minutes to get your intake then it can affect your playing down the stretch.” Said D.C. United Midfielder Davy Arnaud.
While there were no goals delivered in the 2nd half, the progress of the Lions did not go unnoticed as they powered through to the last second by holding the lead and maintaining the win.
“The team’s growing. I felt more confidence from what we’ve seen tonight than five or six weeks ago." – Said Orlando City Head Coach Adrian Heath.
The Orlando City Lions have a short week of rest ahead of them as they look to continue their great play and winning streak when they head into their next matchup Wednesday to play in the US Open Cup against the Battery in Charleston.
“Now it’s time to get ready for the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup and think about Montreal after.” – Said Orlando City Lions captain Kaka
The 5-5-5 Orlando City Lions will get back to MLS action Saturday, June 20th in Olympic Stadium where they will take on the 4-5-2 Montreal Impact.
From the get-go the Lions moved the ball fluently up and down the field, especially on left side where defender Luke Boden and midfielder Brek Shea caused chaos for D.C.’s defense.
“I just think the team has grown together, the team’s jelling and the comradely within the group is getting better by the minute.” Coach Heath said when asked about the 1-0 shutout.
With the Lions chemistry in tact, the Lions pressure on offense grew rapidly which caused D.C. to ensue a penalty in the box. This set up a Penalty Kick from Orlando City leading scorer Kaka who headed his own rebound off the deflection of D.C. goalkeeper Bill Hamid into goal.
“I can say that I was a little bit lucky because Hamid is a very good goalkeeper. The save that he made before was amazing. And he saved the penalty as well. I was a little bit lucky. The ball came back to me, and I scored using my head.” –Said Kaka when asked about the only goal of the night.
Right after the goal during the 30th minute, due to the humidity on the field, we witnessed an MLS groundbreaking moment. The first ever MLS water break.
“I mean it’s important and I wish they would have done it in years past. It’s dangerous and you don’t take a few minutes to get your intake then it can affect your playing down the stretch.” Said D.C. United Midfielder Davy Arnaud.
While there were no goals delivered in the 2nd half, the progress of the Lions did not go unnoticed as they powered through to the last second by holding the lead and maintaining the win.
“The team’s growing. I felt more confidence from what we’ve seen tonight than five or six weeks ago." – Said Orlando City Head Coach Adrian Heath.
The Orlando City Lions have a short week of rest ahead of them as they look to continue their great play and winning streak when they head into their next matchup Wednesday to play in the US Open Cup against the Battery in Charleston.
“Now it’s time to get ready for the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup and think about Montreal after.” – Said Orlando City Lions captain Kaka
The 5-5-5 Orlando City Lions will get back to MLS action Saturday, June 20th in Olympic Stadium where they will take on the 4-5-2 Montreal Impact.