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Last-second Molino finish earns Orlando City draw with NYCFC

Photo by  Brad Penner/USA TODAY Sports
Photo by Brad Penner/USA TODAY Sports

New York City FC looked well on their way to a statement victory, but an Orlando City goal in the game’s final seconds saw NYCFC’s home struggles continue.

After being thrashed, 7-0, by the New York Red Bulls last time out, NYCFC conceded a stoppage time equalizer by Kevin Molino in a 2-2 draw at Yankee Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

With just seconds remaining, Molino earned his side a share of the points, heading home a cross from Cyle Larin. The Orlando City winger hopped in front of a swinging Julio Baptista, who’s bicycle kick attempt missed before Molino smashed home is headed effort.

Down 2-0, Julio Baptista fired Orlando City back into it 13 minutes after entering the match. Played in by Kevin Molino, the veteran forward took advantage of some soft defending to fire a shot

NYCFC’s breakthrough came just minutes before halftime as a pair of defenders combined to give the hosts to lead. Having shined throughout the first half, R.J. Allen created NYCFC’s best opportunity of the half with a perfectly-hit cross to the backpost. Brilliant was waiting on the end of it, and the NYCFC defender thumped a header past Joe Bendik to give NYCFC the lead in the 42nd minute.

Villa doubled the advantage in the 66th minute with a world-class chip of Joe Bendik. Played in by a diagonal ball from Andrea Pirlo, Villa feathered a shot up and over the Orlando City goalkeeper to push the lead to 2-0.

Villa had a chance for his double, but the Spanish star slipped on the run-up, bailing out Orlando City, who proceeded to score just moments later through Baptista. Molino’s finish at the death earned the tie, pushing NYCFC’s home record to  1-2-5

Following the tie, NYCFC returns to action against Real Salt Lake on Thursday at Yankee Stadium, while Orlando City is off until a June 18 date with the San Jose Earthquakes.

MAN OF THE MATCH

Even prior to his goal in the game’s final seconds, Kevin Molino played a major role in setting up Julio Baptista in Orlando City’s first. The winger then played hero, heading home a Cyle Larin cross to secure a miraculous point for the Lions.

MOMENT OF THE MATCH

With just seconds left before the final whistle, Molino’s header sealed NYCFC’s fate while pushing Orlando City to a tie that seemed so unlikely just moments before.

MATCH TO FORGET

Up a pair of goals with just minutes remaining, NYCFC’s backline fell apart once again. Baptista’s goal was a result of soft defending, while Molino’s came on a lack of concentration as NYCFC dropped two more home points.

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