Photo: Mark Thor (Orlando City)
Record Crowd Witnesses Historic 1-1 Draw In Orlando
by Chris Kimball, Orlando
62,510 purple-clad supporters, the largest soccer crowd in Orlando history and the second highest ever for the league, packed the Citrus Bowl on Sunday to cheer on their club against New York City FC for the first time under an MLS banner.
Things began well for the home squad. Buoyed by the occasion, the Lions were the the brighter side through 45 minutes. Kaka was everywhere early on, receiving and redistributing to any of his young attacking teammates.
Kevin Molino in his debut on the national stage proved that he’ll have no trouble making the leap to MLS. He and Kaka looked comfortable together, linking up through the midfield, pushing New York City into several dangerous situations. Too often though the final ball went astray leaving the Brazilian frustrated.
Molino stars in Orlando Player Ratings
With both teams still working out preseason kinks, a physical match was to be expected. Referee Alan Kelly made good use of his whistle in this one. As New York City worked hard to keep Orlando’s crafty midfield uncomfortable on the ball, frustrated Orlando players began to hit the deck en masse. Three yellow cards for simulation were issued against the home team.
The Lion’s best opportunity of the opening half came off the foot of Kaka in the 38th minute. The Brazilian captain lined up a shot from 18 yards forcing New York’s goalkeeper, Josh Saunders, into a reflex save, preserving a scoreless draw going into the break.
Jason Kreis must have lit a fire under his squad during the intermission because his men came out on all cylinders after the break. Mix Diskerud in particular was more active, pushing play forward and directing balls through the midfield. His efforts payed off in the 75th minute. Villa slid a ball into Diskerud near the top of the box. Orlando defenders gave the the U.S. international too much space and Diskerud took advantage, driving a shot into the right side netting past a diving Donovan Ricketts.
Things went from bad to worse for the home team when moments later Aurelien Collin slid heavily with studs blazing into the legs of David Villa. The referee didn’t hesitate to raise a straight red card on Collin, and just like that Lions were down a goal and a player with five minutes remaining in their historic afternoon
But the home crowd would not be denied their moment of jubilance. With added time winding down, Kaka sized up a free kick from 22 yards. The Brazilian’s effort hit New York’s wall before hitting the back of the net. Orlando’s largest ever soccer audience erupted.
It was a historic goal for Orlando, the first in the team’s MLS history, and the moment didn’t escape Kaka.
“It was amazing.” he said later, “When I saw the ball go inside the goal it was amazing. I really wanted to score the first goal for this team. It’s very special for me and for my career.”
A 1-1 draw was perhaps not the result the home fans had hoped for. But pulling out a draw in the closing moments felt like a moral victory. Orlando head coach Adrian Heath remained positive after the game.
“We’re still a long way from where we want to be.” Heath said, “I think we’ve got a lot more to give. I think this team is going to get better. It’s early days, you know? But it’s been a great day for our football club.”
Orlando City will next travel to Houston to face the Dynamo on March 13. New York City FC will celebrate their home opener against the New England Revolution on March 15.
Photo: Mark Thor, courtesy Orlando City SC
