Credit Lauren Stefl
By Luis Carlos Pineda Orlando City tied 1-1 with SKC at Mercy Park and showed again their resilience coming from adversity. In the first half, Orlando had several chances to score. But also 3 goals were called off due to VAR. In the 15th minute, horrible turnover from Akindele cost us a dangerous SKC counter. Kyle Smith fouled Shelton near the box. Off Gallese’s rebound Ismat-Marin scored but it was called off due to offside. In the 26th minute, Orlando seemed to not be able to capitalize off the crosses coming from either wing. They had the possession but did not finish up any of the chances created in attack. As the saying goes, goals you don’t score they score on you. In the 36th minute, great hustle play from Mendez that passed it to Nani which assisted Benji Michel to score but the ref called off the goal due to a clear offside by the Orlando homegrown. In the 45th minute, right before the end of the first half, Pedro Gallese threw a bad pass out of the back, and Daniel Salloi picked up the turnover and assisted Busio to put a low shot near the post to give SKC the 1-0 lead before the half. Orlando players looked extremely disappointed going to the half and SKC went into the half motivated to score a couple more. The only communication breakdown the lions’ backline had in the first half, translated into the SKC lead. In the second half, SKC came out to press Orlando into their box, and the attacking chances they had in the first half diminished. It was Orlando’s backline that had to step up big as they did against Atlanta, Busio and Shelton proved to be quite dangerous on the counter. In the 48th minute, Nani throws a picture perfect cross to Andres Perea which scored superbly but again the refs called off the goal due to offside. In the 59th minute, a great save by el Pulpo Gallese, shot off Fontas near the box. At this point, SKC limited Orlando in possession and momentum. Sebas Mendez and Kyle Smith were the best players in the second half in my opinion. In the 74th minute, Mendez throws a wonderful assist to Akindele, that missed his chance to score. Then in the 79th minute, Nani leveled the match when he scored off a back heel kick from the edge of the six, after Mueller’s shot was blocked. The goal went to VAR and it was given to the Lions. Lions tied it and Nani and company rejoiced. 1-1 Orlando. Lions were more than pleased with the point on the road, especially coming from behind. Mercy Park is a difficult stadium to play in and Verme’s side was also at the top of the standings in the Western conference last season. During the post game press conference, Coach Pareja talked about how proud his was for this team and that they showed resilience coming from behind, as well Nani mentioned that the “goals will come, its the second game and we are building a great team” he said. Overall, the lions got a great point away from home against one of the top teams in the West, in my opinion I will take the point loud and proud. The next test for the Lions, will be against FC Cincinnati that lost 5-0 against NYCFC. The Lions come with the momentum at home and no doubt will go for the W. Si se puede. #vamosorlando
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