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Larin’s early goal stands as Orlando City opens new stadium with win

Photo by Logan Bowles/USA Today Sports
Photo by Logan Bowles/USA Today Sports

Orlando City suffered a big blow early on, but refused to let anything ruin its housewarming party.

After losing Kaka just 11 minutes into the match, Orlando City got a goal from striker Cyle Larin and hung on for a 1-0 victory over New York City FC in the Lions’ stadium opener on Sunday night in front of a sold-out crowd of 25,527.

The decisive goal came in the 15th minute, as Larin broke free of his mark to head home a well-placed Giles Barnes cross at the back post.

The Lions’ defense had a big part in preserving the lead, as it stymied NYCFC’s attack en route to posting the shutout in the two clubs’ 2017 season opener.

The injury to Kaka occurred when the 34-year-old midfielder collided with a pair of defenders while trying to dribble into the penalty area. He was replaced shortly after due a hamstring injury.

MAN OF THE MATCH

Cyle Larin scored the game’s only goal, but it was centerback Jonathan Spector who helped lead a back line that shone brightly. Spector helped keep David Villa in check, and prevented the Lions from conceding an equalizer despite giving up 68.4 percent possession and facing waves of pressure throughout the match.

MOMENT OF THE MATCH

While Kaka’s early departure will be talked about plenty, the key play came shortly after he exited. In the 15th minute, Carlos Rivas fought hard to keep the ball and found Giles Barnes down the left flank. Barnes took advantage of the space he was given, hitting a perfect cross to the back post that Larin nodded in for the game-winner.

MATCH TO FORGET

When the starting lineups came out, NYCFC winger Rodney Wallace appeared to have a favorable matchup given that he was set to face makeshift right back Will Johnson. Wallace had an unmemorable team debut, however, as he was held largely in check on the left flank by Johnson and Matias Perez-Garcia before being substituted in the 64th minute.

Comments

  1. When you consider that Spector is still only 30 years old, he may still be a candidate for the USMNT at CB if he can continue to play well and if others fall off.

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  2. Only was able to see a ibht of the first half due tyo other commitments, but some observations, nevertheless. Orlando has great fan sup[port and they illustrate why MLS soccer specific stadiums are being built large enough. MLS is starting to take off and those stadium s should be more in the 30 to 35k range. Giles Barnes is still a good player, don’t see why first Houston and then Vancouver unloaded him. Good to see that Spector is playing well. While he does not seem to be a world beater, he is a good, steady player. He is an honest player in that he shows up and puts out a good effort on a consistent basis.

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