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“It’s a night where I thought we did some really nice things. I’m still seeing improvements, I’m still seeing positive signs that we’re headed in a good direction. Obviously against a team like Toronto, they took some chances. They’re a quality team. They can put you under it for a bit so credit to them,” Head Coach Jason Kreis said. “But I think we did enough in this game that we earned a point. Unfortunately we didn’t get it but on a different night I think we do get it.”
The Lions fell into an early hole when reigning MLS MVP Sebastian Giovinco found Tosaint Ricketts in behind the back line. Ricketts fired a shot around goalkeeper Joe Bendik for the opening goal.
Orlando City put the pressure on in search of the equalizer and almost found it just two minutes later when Kevin Molino, who made his first start since July 31, flicked a ball in for Larin. The young Canadian flicked a right-footed shot just wide of goal.
The Lions found the equalizer in the 56th minute when Luke Boden, who made his return to the starting lineup, lofted a ball for Larin inside the box. The reigning MLS Rookie of the Year headed the ball off the inside corner of the post, across the goal and over the line for the equalizer.
Larin struck the same corner again in the second minute of added time. His right-footed shot from distance struck the outside of the post, though, and out of bounds as the Lions looked to equalize again after Jozy Altidore’s 87th minute goal.
Bendik, who has won MLS Save of the Week nine times this season, put on yet another incredible performance. The Georgia native made an outstanding save on Jozy Altidore in the 66th minute after the U.S. national team forward headed a shot from inside the six-yard box that Bendik somehow dove across to get a hand on. Bendik finished with five saves.
Rocha, who was signed from Orlando City B on Aug. 4, made his first career MLS start in his third appearance. The 23-year-old midfielder played alongside Antonio Nocerino and was solid in the defensive midfield. Rocha also created several opportunities in the attack, chipping a ball in for Kaká in the 29th minute and again in the 34th.
City faces another short turnaround when they host 2015 expansion rival New York City FC on Sunday, Aug. 28, at 7 p.m. ET. before going out on a two-game road trip to Montreal and Los Angeles.
Tickets to all City home matches are available at OrlandoCitySC.com or by calling 855-ORL-CITY. Follow the latest Orlando City news and updates viaFacebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.
MATCH HIGHLIGHTS:
First Half:
5’ Cyle Larin drives into the box from the left wing and fires a left-footed shot that Toronto goalkeeper Alex Bono dives to his left to stop. The rebound goes to Kevin Molino but he is unable to get a shot on goal.
7’ Tosaint Ricketts gets in behind the Lions’ back line and fires a shot from the right wing into the back of the net.
9’ Kevin Molino flicks the ball to Cyle Larin, who drives into the box and flicks a right-footed shot wide of goal.
17’ Kaká makes a dashing run up the left wing before firing a low, hard cross across the six-yard box for Cyle Larin, but Larin is draped by his defender as he slides into the ball.
29’ Tony Rocha chips a good ball in for Kaká, who beats Bono to the ball but can’t flick it over the oncoming goalkeeper.
34’ Rocha works another ball to Kaká on the left wing. The Brazilian takes a touch to the inside and fires a shot at Bono.
38’ Joe Bendik makes a strong save to parry away a Sebastian Giovinco free kick from 30 yards out.
45’ Kaká makes a clever move to get past U.S. national team captain Michael Bradley before passing off to Kevin Molino. The Lions play several one-touch passes through traffic but are unable to find space for a shot.
45 (+1)’ After one minute of added time, the referee indicates the end of the first half. Orlando City 0, Toronto FC 1.
Second Half:
52’ Toronto’s Marko Delgado is issued a yellow card for dragging Matías Pérez García down.
54’ Kevin Molino intercepts a pass on the edge of the box and fires a shot just inches wide of the part post.
56’ Cyle Larin heads Luke Boden’s service off the corner of the post, across the goal line and into the net for the equalizer.
63’ Kevin Alston does well to control a hard pass to drive into the box before firing a cross into Cyle Larin. Molino intercepts Toronto’s attempted clear but the ball goes out of play.
66’ Bendik makes an absolutely incredible save on Jozy Altidore after he headed a service from the wing from point-blank range.
69’ Servando Carrasco enters the match in place of Antonio Nocerino.
75’ Brek Shea enters the match in place of Kevin Molino.
77’ Shea clears a Giovinco corner service off the line. Bendik makes another outstanding save to keep the game level.
86’ Giovinco finds Altidore behind the back line and Altidore makes it 2-1.
90 (+2’) Larin makes a slick move to get the ball to Pérez García, who passes back to Larin. The Canadian dribbles into the box and rips a shot off the corner of the post.
90 (+3)’ After three minutes of added time, the referee ends the match. Orlando City 1, Toronto FC 2.