Orlando City SC v DC United: Lions Give Up Another Late Goal
By Phil Naegely
Orlando City SC hosted DC United in front of 32,000 fans to kick off MLS Week 5. They were looking to find their first home win and win their first game since March 13th. However, for the second straight game at the Citrus Bowl the Lions gave up a late goal.
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From the beginning of the match, Orlando looked to be the more aggressive side and had many opportunities on goal. Yet, between missed open shots on goals and a formidable keeper in Bill Hamid, Orlando had trouble breaking the scoreless affair. Pedro Riberio, who has contributed in a big way towards Orlando’s four goals on the season, went down with an apparent hamstring injury and was replaced by Canadian National Team player Cyle Larin. Within minutes of coming on, Larin had his own opportunities to either score or assist a potential chance, but the score remained at zero-zero heading into the half.
The second half saw both sides with a chance to take the lead. Hamid and Donovan Ricketts continued to prevent the ball from finding the net. The former showed why he still deserves to be called up to the USMNT this year and moving forward.
Down the stretch Orlando City SC couldn’t capitalize on their multiple chances and kept the game open for the visiting DC United side to find a late goal. Brek Shea made an acrobatic goal-line save to preserve the tie game for a little longer. However, DC United found a goal in stoppage time. Orlando committed a foul right outside the box. On the free kick, Luis Silva sent the ball through the wall and into the box. Ricketts dove correctly to the right but couldn’t get his finger tips on the ball as it went past him. It appeared that Orlando’s players on the wall didn’t even jump as the free kick headed towards net and it went right through them as if they were an open window or do.
With the ball into the net, DC United celebrated as they silence the shocked Citrus Bowl crowd. For the second straight week, they gave up a late game-winning goal even though they appeared to be the better side. Through three home games, Orlando has only secured one point of a possible nine points. The lone point came in their season opener against NYCFC in a 1-1 affair.
Orlando City will need to fix their late game blunders in order to stay amongst the top of the Eastern Conference. They next play the Portland Timbers on Sunday, April 12th on the road and will be aired on ESPN2 at 5:00 p.m. EST. DC United take their three points and return home to face New York Red Bulls and will attempt to extend their winning streak to three games.
Next: Pedro Riberio Leaves Game with Injury