MLS Orlando City SC

Deja Vu All over Again: Last Minute Heroics Secure Crucial Point vs. Real Salt Lake

Published on March 6, 2016 under Major League Soccer (MLS)
Orlando City SC News Release


ORLANDO, Fla. - In a scene familiar to the fans, Orlando City SC used every second of Sunday's match to battle for a point in a 2-2 draw with Real Salt Lake, with Cyle Larin and Adrian Winter scoring in second-half added time to complete City's thrilling rally. The Lions opened their second Major League Soccer (MLS) season in front of a sold out crowd at the Orlando Citrus Bowl, with an announced attendance of 60,147--expected to be the highest attended match for MLS' opening day across the nation.

With four minutes of stoppage time announced, the Lions pressed forward in an attempt to cut RSL's 2-0 lead. The home team's first breakthrough came in the 94+ minute, as Larin was rewarded after threatening all evening. Heineken Star of the Match Brek Shea placed a perfect, low cross to the feet of the sophomore forward, and he used a quick one touch to fire the ball past RSL keeper Nick Rimando.

After RSL's ensuing kickoff, City gained control in its own defensive third and Servando Carrasco launched a full-field pass in the direction of both Larin and Winter. With the duo chasing the ball in the penalty area, Larin made the first shot attempt but was unable to fully connect. Winter was in perfect position, collecting the ball and beating Rimando, just before the final whistle was blown.

"We started the game very well; we moved the ball and looked dangerous," said Head Coach Adrian Heath. "[The team] kept going. They kept going all afternoon...I always thought we were going to score. I didn't expect it to be as late as it was, but always thought we would get a goal at one stage."

"The crowd was unbelievable, even when we were two goals down," Heath added.

In a physical first half, Orlando City and Real Salt Lake were both reduced to 10 men before the break, after RSL's Demar Philips picked up a second yellow card in the 20th minute, and Darwin Ceren, who wore the captain's armband in the match, was shown a straight red card following a foul on Javier Morales in first half injury time.

The visiting team was the first to get on the board, when Joao Plata converted a penalty kick in the 26th minute. RSL was awarded the penalty after a sliding challenge from Seb Hines took down Yura Movsisyan eight yards out. City goalkeeper Joe Bendik picked the correct side, and got a hand on the shot, but was unable to parry the forceful shot over the crossbar.

Plata doubled RSL's lead, and completed the brace, in the 66th minute with a half volley to the far post.

Reigning MLS Rookie of the Year Larin found the back of the net just eight minutes into the match, after getting on the end of a deflected Ceren shot. The home crowd erupted when it thought the first goal of 2016 was scored, however Larin was ultimately called offside.

In the 72nd minute, Larin had another opportunity inside the box after excellent build up from Winter and Kevin Molino. Winter carried the ball across the field and into the middle, finding Molino who slipped a pass to Larin in the box. Larin used a coy touch to turn into space, but his effort sailed high of the goal.

The Lions will return to the Orlando Citrus Bowl in just five days, hosting the Chicago Fire at 7 p.m. For match tickets, visit www.OrlandoCitySC.com or call 855-ORL-CITY.

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Major League Soccer Stories from March 6, 2016


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