Orlando City SC snapped their four-game winless streak in MLS regular season play on Friday, as they defeated Real Salt Lake 1-0 at Rio Tinto Stadium.
The visitors took the lead in the 17th minute, as a free kick bounced off the crossbar, and in the subsequent scramble, Will Johnson slotted the ball in the net. And from there Orlando City stifled RSL's chances and defended well enough to hold on for the clean sheet on the road.
- Teammates support Larin as he makes return to field
- Lions don't worry about style points as they grab needed win
Goals
- 17' – ORL – Will Johnson Watch
Three Things
- KEY WIN: This was the third meeting in MLS regular season play all-time between the teams, and the first win, with the previous matches ending in a draw. It represents a happy return for a number of OCSC personnel, including head coach Jason Kreis, who formerly coached RSL, the goalscorer Johnson, substitute Luis Gil and defender Donny Toia, who are all former members of the Utah club. But maybe the bigger win coming out of the night was getting their second road victory of the season and solidifying their position in the Eastern Conference above the red line.
- LARIN BACK ON THE FIELD: He didn't get a goal, but Orlando City striker Cyle Larin played his first game in nearly a month after being arrested and subsequently being screened by MLS's Substance Abuse and Behavioral Health program. Cleared to play by the league earlier this week, the Canadian seems to have started the work to put the off-field issues behind him, and put in a good shift up top to help deliver the win for this side.
- UNHAPPY KAKÁ? With the Lions holding onto a one-goal lead and looking to settle in for the duration, Kreis opted to sub off Brazilian star Kaká in the 72nd minute. According to the ESPN broadcast, Kaká did not throw a fit on the sideline, but did silently walk past his coach and bench and walk straight down the tunnel, which is unusual. Was he a competitor upset to leave the field of play? Was there another explanation? Typically, these incidents seem to be one-offs, but it could be a talking point in the days to come.
Next Up
