Photo: Nelson Lucindo
Orlando 4 : 0 LA Galaxy
by Chris Kimball
In the week leading up to Orlando City’s match against the L.A. Galaxy the legion of gloom had been out at unprecedented levels in the City Beautiful. The hometown Lions had underperformed against D.C. United the week prior, and they had yet to register a single win in their home confines at the Citrus Bowl.
The natives were growing restless. But after ninety minutes of play on Sunday those critics were surely silenced. The Lions of Orlando City took down MLS royalty behind four goals, and in so doing grabbed an historic first MLS win at home.
The purple onslaught began early. In just the 12th minute Eric Avila received a headed pass from Brek Shea which he knocked home from close range. Besides giving Orlando the early lead, it was a goal that set the tone for the entire evening.
Shea had a legitimate opportunity to score himself but instead the U.S. international sent the ball back into the mixer where Avila was breaking free. It was this type of unselfish play which kept L.A. guessing all evening.
City doubled their lead in the 34th minute when left back Rafael Ramos found Cyle Larin deep inside L.A. territory. Larin smartly held up play while Kaka burst down the left side. The Brazilian received the ball from Larin and then deftly squirted around the last Galaxy defender before feeding it back to Larin who pocketed it in the right side netting.
It was a lovely assist by Kaka who, after a recent pair of lackluster outings, looked markedly more active against the Galaxy. Heath attributed his star’s success to better timing from his teammates.
“One of the things that helped Kaka today was that we moved the ball quicker and we got it to him earlier [in the run of play]. It stretched their defense and it opened up the spaces in between.”
Kaka notched his fourth goal of the season midway through the second half after being taken down by L.A. goalkeeper Jaime Penedo in the box. The referee whistled for a penalty kick and Kaka took advantage with an easy-looking finish inside the left post.
The captain’s goalscoring celebration included a tribute to injured midfielder Kevin Molino and one wondered if that requisite —but elusive— thing called “team chemistry” was not emerging before the eyes of the more than 40,000 fans packing the home grounds.
In the 73rd minute Orlando City added an improbable fourth goal in fine fashion. Darwin Ceren, City’s outstanding workhorse in the defensive midfield, sent a shot flying from beyond 20 yards. The ball took a slight deflection which wrong-footed Penedo to give the El Salvadorian his first MLS goal. It was a fitting goal for one of City’s most under the radar players. “I thought Darwin Ceren was the best player on the field tonight.” Heath said without hesitation.
Indeed, Heath had nothing but accolades for all his players, and deservedly so.
“There’s not many of our group today who haven’t played really well,” he gushed. “I’m really pleased for the players and the supporters. They deserve what they’ve got today.”
Also noteworthy on Sunday was the return of goalkeeper Tally Hall from a long absence due to an ACL injury. Orlando’s starting ‘keeper kept a clean sheet on Sunday but, to be fair, L.A. managed just a single shot on goal.
The Lions will take their show on the road next week as they face the San Jose Earthquake on Sunday, Jan 24th, at Avaya Stadium.
