Cardiac Lions? Cardiac Loons? Let's call it even.
There was plenty of heart-stopping, gasp-inducing drama on both sides as Orlando City visited Minnesota United Saturday night, and both sides had to settle for a point apiece as Abu Danladi's dramatic late equalizer cancelled out a Nani penalty kick in a 1-1 draw.
The result probably stung MNUFC more, as they needed last-gasp heroics from their substitute striker despite controlling most of the play and vastly outshooting their guests. Nani earned the PK himself as he galloped free into acres of space on a counterattack and hit the deck under a challenge from Ike Opara, who was convinced his slide tackle took enough of the ball yet was nonetheless whistled by referee Jair Marrufo.
But the Loons also had reason to be thankful, as Orlando earned another spot kick even further into injury time only to see it waved off for an offside call, helping them avoid just their second home loss at Allianz Field and stretching their home unbeaten run to seven games.
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Goals
Three Things
- THE BIG PICTURE: Pretty fun stuff for a 1-1! While MNUFC were extravagantly wasteful with all the chances they created, and also lost Angelo Rodriguez to a hamstring injury, Orlando again showed levels of resilience and discipline that past versions of the Lions often lacked. Will it eventually power them into a playoff spot?
- MOMENT OF THE MATCH: Respect is due to Danladi, who entered the night with just one league goal this season amid injury issues and limited minutes, but donned the hero's cape with gusto after a long throw-in into the penalty box...
- MAN OF THE MATCH: With five saves, some of them spectacular, OCSC goalkeeper Brian Rowe anchored his side's rugged resistance in the northlands.
Next Up
- MIN: Thursday, August 22 at Sporting KC (9:30 pm ET | ESPN, MLS LIVE on DAZN in Canada)
- ORL: Friday, August 23 vs. Atlanta United (8 pm ET | ESPN, TVAS and MLS LIVE on DAZN in Canada)
