Written By: Raul Sosa
ORLANDO - On a very challenging Sunday evening for Orlando City SC against Sporting Kansas City in the search for the Playoff Spots, the Lions finally found victory after 7 games without adding 3 points.
Adrian Winter (2) and Bryan Rochez (1) were the heroes that finished with the winning drought at the Citrus Bowl that welcomed 22,241 fans on MLS soccer Sunday. The Kansas community was also present with an average of 100 fans supporting the away team.
On a desperate search for adding 3 golden points in order to make it to the Playoffs, Orlando City scored an early goal with only 3 minutes of the initial whistle. The Lions fabricated a free kick at the right wing that ended with a perfect cross towards A. Winter’s strong header.
Adrian Winter made history with his goal debut in both Orlando City and the MLS.
Despite Orlando’s vital absences in tonight’s match (Kaká and Ceren), the team fabricated a decent game in midfield by creating numerous attacking chances. Carlos Rivas, Adrian Winter and Cyle Larin were greatly active as the players in charge for Orlando’s attack upfront.
Sporting Kansas turned the match and became the sole owner of the possession by trying to get into the game at the first 15 minutes of the second half. Constantly creating scoring chances and pressing hard, Orlando started to show lack of defensive authority.
Krisztian Nemeth scored the equalizer at the 59th minute assisted by Benny Feilhaber after an unpleasant error by Aurelien Collin trying to clear his defensive line.
Feilhaber took advantage of the error, stole the ball and assisted with a killer pass inside the penalty box. Nemeth shot to the upper right corner, where it was impossible for Tally Hall to prevent the momentary 1-1.
After that distasteful action for the entire stadium, the Lions seemed consumed by the fact a draw would practically end with the possibility of reaching the Playoffs. Inconsistent in every pass, Orlando lost their focus and almost gave away a second goal in a matter of only 5 minutes.
Brek Shea finally reappeared for duty after a long-term injury since July 24th and giving high hopes for Orlando City fans, he made an incredible run from the left wing into the penalty box in order to assist Bryan Rochez who scored the 2-1 at the 66th minute.
The Lions regained control of the game after that heroic reawaking. Everything changed. Passes were smooth and exact, Orlando recovered pace response and attacking chances were being remarkably formulated. It was a party.
Only 6 minutes later, Adrian Winter fabricated an amazing play by giving the ball to Luke Boden inside the box and by receiving it again in a blink of an eye. Breaking Sporting Kansas’ defense, he terminated the keeper with a coldblooded and solid shot that ended inside the net.
Good news for Orlando City SC due to the fact Philadelphia Union and New York City dropped 3 vital points in the run for the Playoffs spots. Sitting 7th in the Eastern table, the Lions just need to rise one more spot in order to accomplish their mission.
Next game is versus Chicago Fire at Toyota Park on September 19th.
Adrian Winter (2) and Bryan Rochez (1) were the heroes that finished with the winning drought at the Citrus Bowl that welcomed 22,241 fans on MLS soccer Sunday. The Kansas community was also present with an average of 100 fans supporting the away team.
On a desperate search for adding 3 golden points in order to make it to the Playoffs, Orlando City scored an early goal with only 3 minutes of the initial whistle. The Lions fabricated a free kick at the right wing that ended with a perfect cross towards A. Winter’s strong header.
Adrian Winter made history with his goal debut in both Orlando City and the MLS.
Despite Orlando’s vital absences in tonight’s match (Kaká and Ceren), the team fabricated a decent game in midfield by creating numerous attacking chances. Carlos Rivas, Adrian Winter and Cyle Larin were greatly active as the players in charge for Orlando’s attack upfront.
Sporting Kansas turned the match and became the sole owner of the possession by trying to get into the game at the first 15 minutes of the second half. Constantly creating scoring chances and pressing hard, Orlando started to show lack of defensive authority.
Krisztian Nemeth scored the equalizer at the 59th minute assisted by Benny Feilhaber after an unpleasant error by Aurelien Collin trying to clear his defensive line.
Feilhaber took advantage of the error, stole the ball and assisted with a killer pass inside the penalty box. Nemeth shot to the upper right corner, where it was impossible for Tally Hall to prevent the momentary 1-1.
After that distasteful action for the entire stadium, the Lions seemed consumed by the fact a draw would practically end with the possibility of reaching the Playoffs. Inconsistent in every pass, Orlando lost their focus and almost gave away a second goal in a matter of only 5 minutes.
Brek Shea finally reappeared for duty after a long-term injury since July 24th and giving high hopes for Orlando City fans, he made an incredible run from the left wing into the penalty box in order to assist Bryan Rochez who scored the 2-1 at the 66th minute.
The Lions regained control of the game after that heroic reawaking. Everything changed. Passes were smooth and exact, Orlando recovered pace response and attacking chances were being remarkably formulated. It was a party.
Only 6 minutes later, Adrian Winter fabricated an amazing play by giving the ball to Luke Boden inside the box and by receiving it again in a blink of an eye. Breaking Sporting Kansas’ defense, he terminated the keeper with a coldblooded and solid shot that ended inside the net.
Good news for Orlando City SC due to the fact Philadelphia Union and New York City dropped 3 vital points in the run for the Playoffs spots. Sitting 7th in the Eastern table, the Lions just need to rise one more spot in order to accomplish their mission.
Next game is versus Chicago Fire at Toyota Park on September 19th.