Head Coach, Adrian Heath, implemented the 4-2-3-1 tactical formation with Kaká, Rivas and Cyle Larin leading the attack. On the other hand, the Impact left their star and key man (Didier Drogba) on the bench.
The atmosphere at the Citrus Bowl demanded a victory in order to keep their playoff dreams alive.
As the game started, Orlando City was not so lucky in the field as it was outside. Only five minutes of the 1st half were gone and the Lions had to make two emergency substitutions.
Defenders Rafael Ramos and Tommy Redding crashed on each other resulting in two serious injuries. Seb Hines and Luke Boden were the chosen ones in order to reconstruct Orlando’s defense. “
Despite that misfortune in defense, Orlando’ tactics were paying off. Their continuous attacking possession led to a total of eight shots during the 1st half.
It was at the 33rd minute where Orlando’s high pressure forced the Impact to make fatal mistake and give the ball to Cyle Larin at the edge of the box. He fired a violent shot with his left foot, scoring the first goal of the night and extending his rookie MLS record to 16 goals this season.
But the joy at the Citrus Bowl was short. Only 10 minutes later, the Impact scored a questionable goal after Dominic Oduro kicked the ball out of Tally Hall’s hands. The keeper claimed he had the ball secure and that the striker had illegally tied the game.
Didier Drogba made his 7th MLS appearance entering in the second half but his attack was shy and limited… Quite the opposite of Brek Shea, who’s powerful shot, crashed onto the post only five minutes later after Drogba’s entrance.
With the game still 1-1 the dream for the playoff spots was slowly dying… But Seb Hines appeared at the 80th minute and scored an authentic ‘golazo’ after a rebound and bad clearance attempt by Didier Drogba inside the penalty box.
Seb Hines expressed his excitement towards the winning goal. “This is probably the most important goal I’ve ever scored in my career,” he said.
The Lions were well aware that a draw or defeat against Montreal Impact would have mean ‘Game Over’ in this ongoing season. Orlando is now closer than ever to make it to the 6th position in the Eastern Conference, as only 1 point separate both teams.
Last home game of the season will be played on October 16th against New York City FC, where David Villa, Andrea Pirlo and Frank Lampard will try to stop Orlando’s winning spree.