MLS Orlando City SC

Orlando City Falls 2-1 at Sporting Kansas City

Published on May 15, 2016 under Major League Soccer (MLS)
Orlando City SC News Release


KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Orlando City SC (2-3-5, 11 points) fell 2-1 to Sporting Kansas City (5-6-2, 17 points) in its first Western Conference road trip of the season; although, the Lions took the lead early in the second half with an own goal from Jimmy Medranda generated by the Lions' offensive threat when controlling possession.

"We knew the way they were going to play. They're a team that loves to have the majority of possession but they leave themselves really open to the counter attack," said Lions assistant coach Mark Watson, who led the team along with Bobby Murphy in place of a suspended Adrian Heath. "I thought the first half was pretty good. They had the majority of possession, were more dangerous, but I thought we defended well and when it was necessary had four or five really good opportunities on the counter attack. Some of the chances going forward were good. We were dangerous at times. We're disappointed but the result was fair."

The Lions kept their goal unbeaten for most of the game, denying Kansas City's chances and creating opportunities mainly from the left side of the pitch, with a lively Brek Shea that looked dangerous down the flank before coming off for Luke Boden in the 65th.

However, Boden, who made his return to the squad for the first time since April 17 as a result of a hamstring injury, continued the offensive rhythm and created a corner two minutes after entering the game, resulting in Orlando's opening goal. City captain Kaká delivered a corner service to the far post for David Mateos, and the Spanish defender's header crossed the line after a mad scramble in front that ended in Medranda's own goal.

Lions goalkeeper Joe Bendik recorded a career high 10 saves, the most in Orlando City's Major League Soccer history, including spectacular stops in the early minutes of the second half to deny Sporting, who entered the game with MLS's longest active goal-less streak. In the 74th minute, Sporting's Benny Feilhaber chipped a ball over the Lions' back line for Jacob Peterson, who headed it across to Dom Dwyer for the equalizer. Peterson gave Kansas City the lead five minutes later after he headed in Roger Espinoza's cross.

The Lions play the first of three matchups in a span of nine days when they host the Montreal Impact at Camping World Stadium on May 21. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. E.T. Tickets to all City home matches are available at OrlandoCitySC.com or by calling 855-ORL-CITY. Follow the latest Orlando City news and updates via Facebook, Twitter,Instagram and YouTube.

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