One game in 100 words (or less): Orlando City SC had this game at their fingertips as they had managed possession very well. But their inability to create scoring sequences and net the deciding goal allowed New York City the chance to capture the 1-0 lead in the second half. Orlando managed to luckily draw level in stoppage time and escape out with a point regardless. Both Kaka and David Villa had notable impacts, while overall, the match showed a more sustained effort from the home team. New York remained alert to capitalize on their positive moments, though.
Goals
Orlando: Ricardo Kaka 90’ + 1’
NYC: Mix Diskerud 76’
Three moments that mattered:
1. Kaka’s free-kick deflection for the draw— Nearly all hope would have been lost for Orlando, but this historic MLS fixture wouldn’t end on a typical note. Time was running out. Kaka stepped up to take a free kick opportunity and rocketed his strike off Jeb Brovsky’s chest. Somehow, the powerful endeavor dribbled into the back of the net after the ricochet, and goalie Josh Saunders had little time to react.
2. Mix drills curler — For NYCFC, two of its signings from European clubs, David Villa and Mix Diskerud, combined to grab the first goal of the match in the 76th minute. Moving inside from the left, Villa edged into the penalty box and then flicked a short pass to the USMNT regular, who whipped in a low curling shot that fizzed by goalkeeper Donovan Ricketts. This was a very opportunistic goal from NYC, and it completely stunned the crowd at the Citrus Bowl.
3. Collin sent off — The final fifteen minutes of play had clearly swung in New York’s favor, especially after Aurelien Collin was given the red card for his aggressive challenge on Villa near the center of the pitch. The call was not very disputable, as the Frenchman slid hard with his studs in the air. Down to ten men, Orlando was forced to stay firm for the match’s remainder with one less defender.
Lineups
Orlando: Donovan Ricketts; Rafael Ramos, Aurelien Collin, Seb Hines, Brek Shea; Amobi Okugo, Crisitan Higuita, Kevin Molino, Kaka, Lewis Neal (Bryan Rochez 80’); Carlos Rivas (Sean St. Ledger 90’+3’)
NYC: Josh Saunders; Josh Williams, Josh Hernandez, Chris Wingert, Jeb Brovsky; Mehdi Ballouchy (Khiry Shelton 62’), Andrew Jacobson, Mix Diskerud (Sebastian Velasquez 88’), Ned Grabavoy; David Villa, Adam Nemec (Javier Calle 89’)
