Orlando City SC Defeats Reigning MLS Champions 4-0 for First Home Win
Orlando Citrus Bowl – Orlando, Florida
Orlando City SC (3-5-3, 12 points) won its first game at the Orlando Citrus Bowl in commanding fashion before 40,122 fans on Sunday night, defeating the reigning Major League Soccer (MLS) Cup Champions LA Galaxy (3-4-5, 14 points) 4-0.
The win was the largest margin of victory by an expansion team over a defending MLS champion in MLS history, and marked the second highest attended game for the Lions. Orlando City has averaged 37,446 fans per home game this season, a record for the first six stand-alone MLS home games for an expansion team.
Featuring a lineup that included Tally Hall in the starting XI and Martin Paterson in the 18-man roster, Orlando City jumped off to an early lead when Eric Avila headed home Brek Shea’s assist in the 12th minute after fantastic combination from the Lions deep in LA’s half, beginning with Rafael Ramos and Kaká on the right-hand-side.
Avila’s finish was the first time Orlando has led at home all season.
As the first half came to a close, Orlando’s strong attacking play in the final third continued when Kaká skillfully beat his defender before setting up rookie Cyle Larin for his fourth goal of the season, providing the Lions with a 2-0 advantage going into halftime.
Kaká’s man-of-the-match worthy performance carried over into the second half when the playmaker converted from 12 yards away, after being brought down in the box, sending LA goalkeeper Jaime Penedo the wrong way.
Defensive midfielder Darwin Cerén added the final blow in the 72nd minute, scoring from distance as his shot took a slight deflection on its way to the goal.
“I’m delighted for everybody connected with the Club, especially the supporters who have been incredible,” said head coach Adrian Heath. “I’m really pleased for the players because they’ve been working so hard. Overall, it’s been a pleasing day for everybody, for my staff, and more importantly the supporters. The most important thing for us is to continue to do what is right. We spoke all week about trying to play more aggressively. “
Orlando City SC Match Recap
Team 1 2 Final
Orlando City SC 2 2 4
LA Galaxy 0 0 0
Scoring Summary:
ORL – Eric Avila (Brek Shea) 12′
ORL – Cyle Larin (Kaká) 34′
ORL – Kaká (Penalty) 55′
ORL – Darwin Cerén (Unassisted) 72′
Misconduct Summary:
ORL – Kaká (Yellow Card) 56′
LA – Jaime Penedo (Yellow Card) 59′
LA – Mika Vayrynen (Yellow Card) 65′
Lineups/Substitutions:
Orlando City SC – GK Tally Hall, D Luke Boden, Sean St. Ledger, Seb Hines, Rafael Ramos, M Darwin Cerén, Cristian Higuita (Amobi Okugo 73′), Kaká, Eric Avila, Brek Shea (Martin Paterson 82′), F Cyle Larin (Carlos Rivas 77′)
LA Galaxy – GK Jaime Penedo, D Baggio Husidic, AJ DelaGarza, Tom Meyer, Leonardo, M Mika Vayrynen (Sebastian Lletget 68′), Ignacio Maganto (Jose Villareal 64′), Juninho, Stefan Ishizaki, F Gyasi Zardes, Bradley Jamieson (Alan Gordon 46′)
Substitutes not used:
ORL – Donovan Ricketts, Tyler Turner, Harrison Heath, Danny Mwanga
LA – Brian Rowe, Omar Gonzalez, Oscar Sorto, Rafael Garcia
Match Facts:
Time of Match: 5:00 p.m. ET
Weather: Clear
Date: May 17, 2015
Attendance: 40,122
Stats
Shots:
ORL: 11
LAG: 10
Corners:
ORL: 8
LAG: 4
Offside:
ORL: 2
LAG: 0
Fouls:
ORL: 9
LAG: 10
Saves:
ORL: 1
LAG: 3
The Lions’ next match will take place against the San Jose Earthquakes on Sunday, May 24, at Levis Stadium. Kick-off is set for7:00 p.m. ET.
Orlando City will return to the Orlando Citrus Bowl on Saturday, May 30, for a match-up against Eastern Conference foes – Columbus Crew SC. Kick-off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET.
To purchase group or individual tickets, visit www.OrlandoCitySC.com or call 855-ORL-CITY.
Also, follow the latest Orlando City news and updates via Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.
About Orlando City Soccer Club:
One of the leading teams in Major League Soccer (MLS), and the only MLS team in Florida, Orlando City Soccer Club has developed a rich history and passionate following in its short existence since starting in the USL in 2011. The Lions’ first team set the U.S. record for best start of any professional soccer club in its first 100 USL matches (66-12-22). During that time, the Lions won three regular season titles and two postseason championships.
In MLS, the team draws an average of over 37,400 fans per home game – including 62,500 for its home opener – a record for an expansion team in its first six stand-alone home games. In addition, the team is currently near the top of the league in social media followers. Orlando City has not only captured the passion of soccer fans in the City Beautiful, it continues to build its brand overseas as its matches are broadcast in 100 countries and in 30 languages.
Outside of the first squad, OCSC also has a youth club, Orlando City Youth Soccer (OCYS) and a U-23 team that participates in the PDL. Lastly, the Orlando City Foundation is active in the community year round, promoting health and wellness in children throughout the region, and raising funds for and volunteering time for various local organizations.
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