The return of several international players had Orlando City regain its strength Friday night where they faced D.C. United for their third match at the Citrus Bowl.
Another last minute Lions foul had the ball reach the back of their net despite a strong performance given by the players.
Orlando City outperformed D.C. United in shots on goal (17), duels won (45), and passing accuracy (76%), creating several chances early on for a first-time win at home.
“It’s not very often that you create as many chances as we have,” said head coach Adrian Heath. “It’s not an easy night, and I feel for the players. They’ve done everything they can to win a game of football. They were terrific in all aspects of play.”
An opening in the 41st minute had Orlando’s Kevin Molino create a fast break opportunity to find a lane. Alongside Molino, Cyle Larin paced his way with the ball and split the goalkeeper to make an easy shot in, although Molino would keep the ball and take the shot in the path of D.C. goalkeeper Bill Hamid.
The 68th minute saw the Lions rally to shut out several attempts on goal by D.C. United. Goalkeeper Donovan Ricketts attacked the ball as it was shot towards the net, with Brek Shea close behind to protect the goal. After a dive by Ricketts, Shea would narrowly block an attempt by D.C. with his inside-foot, deflecting the near-score back in play. Donovan recovered with enough time to knock the ball out of bounds to end the rally.
“I was very relieved when I did that… Donovan and I had a miscommunication,” said defender Brek Shea. “I think everyone played pretty well. Tonight, I think we were a better team, we created many chances. We did everything the coach asked us to except win and score goals.
Later on, Lions forward Carlos Rivas rocketed the ball in the 80th from out in the field to catch D.C.’s Hamid off of his guard, only to return back in the 81st to find a lane and shoot wide right.
The final opportunity for Orlando to work on its momentum came in the third minute before the end of regulation, where the United worked its way to Orlando’s doorstep to take a shot, only for Ricketts to make a mid-air catch followed by ball toss out to the field.
Three minutes of added time proved to be enough for D.C., as the Lions handed out a free kick off a minor foul. United player Chris Pontius planned for a switch with Luis Silva, who staggered the Orlando wall’s jump and made a goal just out of Rickett’s reach inside the left post, marking the final play.
The 0-1 loss makes it the second consecutive drop at home through stoppage time, and reduces Orlando City’s record to 1-2-2. The Portland Timbers welcome the Lions next, with a match planned for Sunday, April 12th at 5:00 p.m. EDT. The next home match, broadcasted by FOX Sports 1, will host the Toronto FC on Sunday, April 26th at 7:00 p.m. EDT.
