Photo Credit: Orlando City SC
Another hot and humid night in Orlando as Orlando City faced a Drogba less Montreal Impact side that sat second in the east going into the game. The Lions young right back Rafael Ramos started the night on the wrong foot as he was owned by Piatti in the 4th minute that led to a goal for the Impact. With a 1-0 lead for most of the first half Montreal pressured Orlando, especially up the left side. Piatti terrorized Ramos, until Ramos pulled up with a hamstring in the 34th minute and was subbed off for Kevin Alston. Just three minutes later Heath made another 1st half sub as Tommy Redding came on for Seb Hines.
For most of the 1st half the game was physical and in the 40th minute Brek Shea and KaKa were starting to get visibly frustrated. This frustration led to a 1st half yellow card for Shea. However, two minutes later KaKa lined up for a set piece put the ball near the back post and Cyle Larin found is 1st of two goals on the night. Leaving the game at a 1-1 draw heading into half.
The second half opened up with Orlando City on the attack. In the 5oth minute KaKa lined up for a corner and Brek Shea missed a sitter that should have given Orlando City the lead. Two minutes later Higuita picked up and unwarranted yellow for a play that was not a foul. As the Lions continued on the second half attack Cyle Larin missed missed a difficult yet open goal opportunity. As the game was winding down Heath used his 3rd sub to bring on Julio Baptista for Winter. This subbed turned out to be quite beneficial. In the 87th minute KaKa and Baptista played a little give and go at the top of the 18 yard box that lead to KaKa’s assist to Cyle Larn. The game winning goal was Larin’s second on the night.
Overall, this was the Lions best performance in 6 weeks. That can be attributed to a multitude of things. First, Carlos Rivas started on the Left Wing. This move opened up play Orlando City, Although not on the score sheet or in the box score Rivas’s Impact (haha see what I did there) was felt. Rivas had 9 crosses and 6 shots in the 90 minutes. Second, KaKa was everywhere. This week in the media he said the team needed to give better effort. Last night he led by example and was all over the pitch offensively and defensively.
Third, The 1st half defensive subs made the difference. Based on recent history this type of substitution is not what Heath prefers but, it changed the game for the Lions. Alston for Ramos was beneficial because it gave Orlando a steady experienced RB that had the ability to deal with Piatti up the left in a more tidy manner. Alstons defensive position was excellent.
Redding came on and again proved to be OCSC best CB he is good on the ball and has the speed to close out offensive players on the attack. Last night Redding didn’t make any of the youthful mistakes we have seen him make in recent weeks.
Finally, the return of Higuita to the central defensive midfield is so crucial for Orlando. Higuita was all over the pitch. His fire, passion, and relentless effort is a necessary ingredient for Orlando City’s success.
A much needed and well deserved 3 points for Orlando City.
Orlando City
Montreal Impact
