Orlando City started with [GK] Joe Bendik; [D] Will Johnson(c), Jonathan Spector, José Aja, Danny Toia; [M] Giles Barnes, Servando Carrasco, Antonio Nocerino, Matías Pérez García; [F] Cyle Larin, Carlos Rivas.
Philadelphia Union went off with [GK] Andre Blake; [D] Fabinho, Richie Marquez, Oguchi Onyewu, Keegan Rosenberry; [M] Derrick Jones, Haris Medunjanin; Chris Pontius, Alejandro Bedoya, Fabian Herbes; [F] C.J. Sapong.
Forward and MVP of the match, Cyle Larin, demonstrated how good he is after scoring a brace that gave the win to the Lions. In the 39th minute, forward Carlos Rivas sent a cross that, after passing through a jungle of legs in the area, Larin managed to put inside the net. Then, on minute 73, midfielder Matías Pérez García gave Larin a pass that left alone with Union’s goalkeeper, Andre Blake. Larin’s cold-blooded shot went on the left-hand side of Blake, who had nothing to do but to look for the ball inside the net.
Philadelphia Union’s goal came by the hand of forward C.J. Sapong. The American forward took advantage of the bad deflection from defender Jonathan Spector and scored a header on the verge of the small area, leaving goalkeeper Joe Bendik nothing to do.
Although receiving one goal, the back-line of the Orlando side looked solid in comparison with last season. Spector’s experience has been key in giving the team a solid look.
Although, Orlando City improved on what coach Jason Kreis expressed that was his major concern last match, ball possession. Orlando City registered 52% of the ball possession on the match. “We accomplished it [improving ball possession] to a certain degree”, said Kreis during a press conference. “I still think there is room for improvement.”
Philadelphia Union has not registered any victory this season. The team tied their first two games against Vancouver Whitecaps and Toronto FC. Union has only two points which placed them 8th on the table. Philadelphia’s next match is on April 1st against D.C. United at the RFK Stadium
On the other hand, Orlando City has played only two matches. Their second match against New England Revolution was suspended due to weather conditions. The Lions have won the two matches they have played, summing six points which ties them with NY Redbull for the second place. Orlando City will face on April 1st Colombus Crew at the Mapfre Stadium.