Vancouver Whitecaps FC 2, Orlando City SC 2 | 2016 MLS Match Recap

Josie Becker

The Vancouver Whitecaps and Orlando City could not find separation and will have to share a point as they waged a hard fought battle in Vancouver that ended 2-2.

Orlando City struck first, using patient buildup to earn a high percentage chance in the penalty area. When the ball got to Luke Boden inside the box he dribbled to shake his marker, then found Julio Baptista just outside the penalty area. Joe Bendik didn't see Baptista's shot until it was too late and the ball bounced off him on its way into the net.

The Whitecaps took the lead just before halftime with two nice headed goals. On the first goal Christian Bolanos played a ball in for Masato Kudo. Kudo's shot was saved, but the rebound stayed in the air long enough for Nicolas Mezquida to head it in. Kudo got his goal moments later, making a jumping dive to head in Pedro Morales' set piece free kick at the far post.

Orlando climbed back level not long after half with a headed goal of their own. Kevin Molino found some space on the wing, and Cyle Larin got a great jump to beat his marker to the ball and enough pace to put the ball in the net.

Box Score

14' - ORL - Julio Baptista (Luke Boden)
35' - VAN - Nicolas Mezquida
43' - VAN - Masato Kudo (Pedro Morales)
50' - ORL - Cyle Larin (Kevin Molino, Darwin Ceren)
Full Box Score
Stats
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Three Things

WASTON CLEANS UP: Coming into tonight's match Kendall Watson was averaging 5.8 clearances per 90 minutes, a mark that was good for third place in MLS amongst players with 50 clearances or more (according to Opta). Watson beat his average tonight with 8 clearances, all inside the penalty area.
IT'S RAINING SHOTS, BUT I'M FINE: David Ousted is the only goalkeeper thus far in the 2016 MLS season to face more than 100 shots. He's now up to 111 shots faced after tonight's effort. The good news for Vancouver is that Ousted continues to be a wall in the back, leading the league with 75 saves.
CITY FINALLY FINDS THE NET: Young franchises are constantly setting club records, but Orlando City was sitting on a less favorable franchise-record-tying three matches without a goal coming into tonight's match. Before tonight, the Lions last scored on June 25th against Toronto; a 3-2 victory.