Orlando City Handles Colorado 2-0 at Home, Continues Playoff Push
By Will Ogburn on June 28, 2015
Orlando, Fla. — After an impressive first half, both Kaká and Cyle Larin scored in the second to give Orlando City (6-6-5) the win against the Colorado Rapids (2-5-9) at the Citrus Bowl. Both goals were standard and within regulation, no set pieces, penalties, or extra time. This win put Orlando City (23 pts) at third place in the MLS table. This ranking can be deceptive, as Orlando has more games played (17) than 4th place Toronto (22 pts, 14 gms), 5th place Colombus (20 pts, 16 gms), and 6th place NY Red Bulls (20 pts, 15 gms).
After a rain delay and some intense lighting in the distance, Orlando City took the pitch against Colorado. In the opening minutes, Colorado looked to be having a difficult time dealing with the slippery turf as Orlando City put several defenders on the ground on their way to nine shots in the first half. Though City controlled possession (61%) and completed 85% of their passes, they went to the locker room with a 0-0 tie at the half.
In the second the fireworks began – Orlando City played an overall less efficient game, but shot effectively and often. This led to the Lions putting two goals in the net in quick succession. The first came on a Carlos Rivas feed to Cyle Larin, who beat the keeper to put City up 1-0. The second, a wide line drive off the foot of Kaká to seal the game for the Lions.
Carlos Rivas was recognized for his ability to draw attention and set up his teammates. He assisted on Larin’s goal that gave City the lead in the 62nd minute. “I don’t want to to sit up here and tell you I told you so, but I told you so.” Coach Adrian Heath said on the progress of the young midfielder. Rivas has been admittedly slow in developing into the star that City expected, but his performance on Wednesday was a step in the right direction, according to Heath.
Orlando City will take on Columbus at home on this Saturday, the 30th, during in the round of 16 in the U.S. Open Cup. The next official MLS matchup comes on July 4th at Real Salt Lake.
Tags: Adrian Heath, Carlos Rivas, Citrus Bowl, Colorado Rapids, cyle larin, kaka, mls, orlando city
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