One of the most critical games for Orlando City’s playoff hopes had the Lions finish 2-1 against the Montreal impact in a Saturday night thriller.
Only four minutes into play, the Lions’ Rafael Ramos and Tommy Redding collided after both going in for a cross-field header. The starters spent several minutes on the field as trainers and paramedics evaluated and soon escorted the players off the field on stretchers, with Ramos sent to Orlando Regional Medical Center for a gash to the head. Luke Boden and Seb Hines subbed in to play the rest of the match.
Cyle Larin struck in the first half at the 33rd minute to put City up 1-0 on a break that saw Larin sail a ball off the defending goalkeeper Evan Bush for a 15th season goal.
Montreal quickly equalized the score after Impact’s Dominic Oduro kicked in a ball that seemed to be in possession of goalkeeper Tally Hall. Instant replay led to backlash from supporters and speculation from commentators but the match would go on. Oduro subbed in later on for Didier Drogba and his deflection for Orlando City late in the second half.
“It was a must-win game for us and to have all the hard work the team put in, all the hard work that I put in to be able to hold on to shots, to have that undone is extremely frustrating,” Hall said on the controversial goal.
The Lions’ game winning goal came from Seb Hines, a player who didn’t make the opening lineup but saw game time after the two-player collision. A corner kick made its way to the face of the goal and bounced to Drogba, who attempted to clear the ball, but Hines would get a foot on the ball and send the game-winner into the upper-right corner of the goal.
“It came to me and it was just instinct to have a shot on goal,” Hines said. Lucky for me it went in the goal and it’s amazing for the team as well.”
The remaining ten minutes of regulation and four of stoppage time had the club and supporters in high-energy to avoid an equalizer and an elimination from post-season play. Hall stepped in to prevent several late attempts from Montreal and allow Orlando to hold time before sealing the score after referees signaled end of game.
“It was about staying together and I though the guys handled it extremely well. It was a difficult game to play in and I’m extremely proud of the guys,” Hall continued on the minutes before winning the game.
Orlando City’s post-season goal set at the beginning of the season is still alive. With only two matches left in the regular season, both are a must win.
On Oct. 16 at 7 p.m. at the Orlando Citrus Bowl the Lions face rival NYCFC in a match that will likely see a sellout crowd.
