After a forty-minute thundershowers delay, Orlando City “pounced” for two second-half goals, one from Giles Barnes and the other from forward Cyle Larin to beat Dc United 2-0 on Wednesday evening at the Orlando City Stadium and posting a 6-1-1 home record. The crucial home win is the first for the lions since a 29th April home victory over Colorado Rapids.
Carlos Rivas made several fine moves
The encounter got off to a quick start with both sides trying to use the slicking field condition to their advantage. DC United and Orlando City attempted to run onto long balls but apparently failed several times as the slick surface of the field turned into a “ping-pong” game.
Orlando City Sc piled up the pressure offensively, attempting to break through United backline by way of quick moves from witty winger Carlos Rivas but the duo of Kofi Opare and Steve Birnbaum held strong.
Larin almost scored the opener
Afterward, DC United had its first golden chance in the twenty-fourth minute as attacking midfielder Jared Jeffrey powered a shot from long range but Lions goalkeeper Joe Bendik instincts was right as he made the save. Carlos Rivas fervently put the pressure on United defense a minute later nearly forcing an own-goal out of Kofi Opare but ended up going out for an Orlando City corner-kick. Forward Cyle Larin nearly snagged the opener right before the break, but DC goalkeeper Bill Hamid continued his superb performance to deny the clever Orlando striker.
Will Johnson masterminded Orlando's opener
When it appeared like DC United was hitting its “stride,” midfielder Lloyd Sam committed a foul close to the DC's box eventually leading to a free-kick for the hosts. Will Johnson stepped up and crossed the ball accurately to Cyle Larin's head, as he directed it into the back of the net to put Orlando City up 1-0 in the sixty-sixth minute.
Later in the seventy-fourth minute, DC United had a clear chance to tie up the scoreline as midfielder Lamar Neagle found himself in front of an empty post. However, Lions defender Jonathan Spector was in a good position to clear the ball off the goal line, but went right back to Lamar Neagle, as he then powered another attempt that was saved by the host's goalkeeper Joe Bendik, ending the visitors' goal threat.
Barnes sealed the victory
Later in the eighty-ninth minute, Giles Barnes “sealed” the victory for Orlando City SC thanks to a “howler” from United goalie Bill Hamid. The victory improved Orlando City's home mark to 6-1-1 which is the second most in the Major League Soccer after Houston Dynamo. Next up for Orlando City SC is another home game versus Chicago Fire on Sunday 4 June, while DC United will travel back home to welcome LA Galaxy on Saturday 3 June at the RFK Stadium as they look to rebound strongly.
