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Orlando City locks up another shutout in win over Red Bulls

Photo by Logan Bowles/USA Today Sports

The New York Red Bulls’ struggles continued on Sunday as Orlando City snagged a home victory thanks to a goal from an unlikely source.

Servando Carrasco scored the lone goal at Orlando City Stadium, leading the Lions to a 1-0 win over the Red Bulls on Sunday afternoon. The win is Orlando City’s third of the season while the Red Bulls fall for the fourth time in their last six matches.

Carrasco’s goal came on a set piece situation, one played in by Will Johnson. The Canadian’s corner kick was fired straight into the mix, and it was Carrasco who fired home his first goal since joining Orlando City ahead of the club’s expansion season. The midfielder entered the match as a substitute just 17 minutes in, replacing the injured Antonio Nocerino.

The headline of Sunday’s match, though, was defense, a side of the ball the Lions have thrived on thus far. After allowing just one goal through their first three matches, Orlando City sealed a clean sheet on Sunday, their third of the year.

Still, the visitors had several chances, but, much like they have in their first few matches, failed to finish them. Bradley Wright-Phillips had a shot stuffed by Joe Bendik in the ninth minute, one of the goalkeeper’s three saves on the day. Just three minutes later, Jonathan Spector pounced to clear a bouncing ball destined for goal, preserving the clean sheet.

With just minutes remaining and the Red Bulls attack bearing down, Bendik pushed another Wright-Phillips shot over the bar in the 86th minute. The Red Bulls had one final chance in the 94th minute, but Aaron Long headed a shot just wide as Orlando City sealed victory.

MAN OF THE MATCH

Once again, Jonathan Spector marshaled the Orlando City defense to a clean sheet, helping lock down Bradley Wright-Phillips en route to another Lion victory.

MOMENT OF THE MATCH

Just one goal separated the two teams on Sunday, and it came from the head of Servando Carrasco. It was the midfielder’s first open play goal of his MLS career, and it was certainly an important one.

MATCH TO FORGET

Bradley Wright-Phillips worked as hard as anyone on the field on Sunday, but the final piece just wasn’t there. He had a goal ruled back for offside and mustered five shots, but the Red Bulls attacker’s finish touch just hasn’t been there yet this season.

 

Comments

  1. Man of the Match for me was the stadium. This is such a different experience from the Citrus Bowl where Orlando played the past two seasons. This place was rocking, 95% of the seats were filled, and it was on grass. And it was cool to see the neighborhood embrace the game. People selling food on the street, renting out their front yards to make a buck on parking. Well done, Orlando.

    Spector did well with that clearance and organizing the defense. I doubt he’ll ever get back to starting for USMNT, but he’s a good fit for MLS.

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