Kaka and Orlando City SC did just enough to knock off NYCFC in their 2017 home opener (photo credit: Alex Menendez/Getty Images North America-Zimbio)
It was a glorious home opener for the Orlando City Lions as they took on NYFC. One of the biggest topics of conversation this game was the Lions new stadium. After 6 years, the Lions were finally able to start a season off in a stadium they called their own. All 25,527 were happy to see their team earn their first three points of the season.
Gameplay reflected the electric atmosphere fans created. Both teams were eager to get the upper hand of their opponent. Superstar midfielder, Ricardo Kaka went down with a hamstring injury only 10 minutes into the match. Giles Barnes immediately gave the Lions a lift after subbing in for Kaka. Barnes’ first touch would assist goal scoring phenom Cyle Larin, who delivered an impeccably placed header to place the Lions up 1-0 in the 15th minute of play. “I saw Giles get the ball and he looked up once. After he looked up, I knew he was going to cross it back post. He saw me and I just made sure I scored the goal” said Larin during a post game interview.
Coach Jason Kreis is pleased with the win, but is in no way complacent. “We’ve got the first win. We’ve got the first shutout. Now we move forward”, Kreis explained during his post game interview. Complacency could absolutely destroy a Lion team that only possessed the ball 31% of the game. Surely, there are some things to work on. NYFC standout striker David Villa posed a tremendous threat to the Lions backline all night as he hustled to make things happen offensively. NY had plenty of opportunities to change the outcome of this game but were robbed by Joe Bendik who had a lights out performance. Man of the match, Bendik denied 7 shots on target to ensure the Lions would walk away with the clean sheet.
The Lions next challenge will be on the road against the New England Revolution where they will hope to remain undefeated.
Orlando City
NYCFC
