Orlando City Upsets DC United

Orlando, FLA. – When the final time was called, it was all over but the punditry. DC United (8-5-4) had fallen to Orlando City (5-5-5) 1-0 in the Citrus Bowl. This meant that Orlando City had beaten the top team in the Eastern Conference, and now stood in 3^rd place themselves. DC United, a solid offensive team, was shut out. The reigning keeper of the year, Bill Hamid, had been beaten.

Bill Hamid (photo Will Ogburn)

The match started just as many Orlando City games; the Lions set the pace and attacked from the onset. However, the team seemed more relaxed on Sunday. Gone were the multitude of missed chances, and the reliance on corners to no avail.

“YOU’RE CRAZY!” says Davy Arnaud (8) to the official as Booby Boswell attempts to keep Arnaud out of trouble (photo Will Ogburn)

Shortly after Kaká and Jake Arietta traded shots on goal for their respective teams, the real action began. In the 28^th minute, Pedro Ribeiro charged through the box and collided with forward Davy Arnaud. Immediately the yelling ensued, followed by a yellow card for Arnaud. It seemed for several minutes that United were going to war with the officials as much as Lions. After the dust settled, it was a faceoff that would make any MLS fan giddy: Kaká vs. Hamid in a 0-0 game. The initial shot was blocked by Hamid but not caught cleanly, and Kaká scored a header easily on the put-back.

Future referee in the stands (photo Will Ogburn)

Orlando City controlled the first half, winning 57% of duels 55% of the possession, and completing 84% of their passes.

The second half featured more defensive than offensive ability for Orlando City. Lewis Neal made his first start at defensive midfielder, and took home player of the match honors for his ability to stop United counterattacks. “He didn’t play quite well, he played very well. (…) You can play him anywhere on the field and he gets it.”

Korb stuck to Kaka all night, but Kaka stll scored in the 30th minute (photo Will Ogburn)

Led by Neal, a revamped back line, and solid play from keeper Tally Hall keep United off the board for the second half despite a late shot by forward Connor Doyle. Also of note, extreme temperatures cause this match to feature the first water break in MLS history.

 Orlando City will travel to Montreal this Saturday, the 20^th, before coming back home to face Colorado at home on the 24^th.

Sean St. Ledger (4) and Perry Kitchen (photo Will Ogburn)

Steve Birnbaum (15) with the header as City’s Pedro Riberio gives chase and Taylor Kemp (2) looks on (photo Will Ogburn)

Over 30,000 packed the Citrus Bowl (photo Will Ogburn)

The reigning goalkeeper of the year, DC United’s Bill Hamid goes up high to make a save (photo Will Ogburn)

Kaka moves in on  Nick DeLeon (photo Will Ogburn)

Steve Birnbaum moves with the ball towards a sea of purple (photo Will Ogburn)

Battle for possession (photo Will Ogburn)

(photo Will Ogburn)

(photo Will Ogburn)

Rafael Ramos (27) and Nick DeLeon (photo Will Ogburn)

Rafael Ramos celebrates with the fans on his way to the locker room (photo Will Ogburn)

Brek Shea (photo Will Ogburn)

(photo Will Ogburn)

(photo Will Ogburn)

Christian Higuita (photo Will Ogburn)

KAKA!!! (photo Will Ogburn)

Bill Hamid (photo Will Ogburn)