Orlando City 2-4 LAFC | Goal Feast in the Rain

By Josue Lopez

After a long period without Major League soccer, LAFC and Orlando City came to Exploria Stadium seeking victory in a rainy atmosphere. The home team sits in fourth place in the Eastern Conference, while the Black and Gold is located at the top of the Western Conference

Steve Cherundolo mentioned that his players who were on national team duty would travel to Florida; two of them appeared in the starting lineup. Maxime Crepeau in goal; Rayan Hollingshead and Diego Palacios as full backs; Mamadou Fall and Jesus Murillo as center backs; a midfield with Latif Blessing Ilie Sanchez and Francisco Ginella; and the attacking three with Carlos Vela, Brian Rodriguez, and Cristian Arango.

The first half with strange weather and a more powerful Orlando team. Facundo Torres was a constant threat on the left side. Even a goal was disallowed with an assist of his. The Uruguayan, however, that ended up appearing on the score line was Brian Rodriguez. Great play between Cristian Arango and Carlos Vela finished with a strike from the Uruguayan player. Alexandre Pato hit a great volley after a “header” assist. Immediately, Jesus Murillo gave the advantage after a mistake from Orlando’s defense. At the end of the first half, Joao Moutinho placed the 2-2 after an outstanding assist from Mauricio Pereyra.

It took only five minutes o the second half to see the game’s fifth goal. After a scramble play outside the area, Ilie Sanchez stroked the ball to the net.

In stoppage time, Mahala Opoku scored the fourth and final goal after a great counterattack, an assist by Jose Cifuentes, a rebound by Jesus Murillo, and then the African player placed the 4-2.

After multiple fouls, a threat mostly led by Ercan Kara, and multiple saves by Canadian National Tea goalkeeper Maxime Crepeau, the Black and Gold ended victorious which gives them the leading spot in the Western Conference.

LAFC travels to Dignity Health Sports Park to play against home rival LA Galaxy. Orlando City will host Chicago Fire, both games will take place on Saturday, April 9.