All pictures property of Loud and Proud Orlando and 181 Creative
In the first half, the first 10 minutes of the game, DC United was overpowered by Orlando City. Orlando created the most chances in attack but DC was close also and had a couple of chances. At the start of the game, it seemed that Ruan became a handful for Gonzalez down the right flank, the former Orlando City lion used his speed to disrupt and create plays. Ruan lost his cool in the 11th minute and threw a lousy elbow to Gonzalez. In the 15th minute, DC scored after Orlando’s backline completely choked and allowed Ruan to create a fantastic play in transition and Fountas put it away past Gallese. Within last 30 mins, it was back and forth between both squads. The Lions generated some danger but Ivan Angulo was very sloppy in the first half. A couple of his crosses were complete misses. As well, DC exploited Rodrigo’s side, he was not coming back into position fast enough and Ruan and Fountas took advantage of those chances, luckily they’ve not been able to convert since the first goal. Orlando was hopeful to get the lead before halftime, but unfortunately, it did not pan out that way. It’s all leveled in the first half. Offensively speaking Duncan McGuire outperformed everyone with tonight’s goal. As well, the hustle he showed when fighting every single play. As well, Tonga Gonzalez battled every ball with Ruan and neutralized the former Orlando speedster very well. As well he had two chances off headers that went wide. Orlando has a huge chance to get the lead in the second chance. Would love to see Dagur Dan in the second half.
In the second half, It was all DC United taking advantage of Orlando’s defensive mishaps. After Donovan Pines’s goal, which was completely unmarked, Orlando started to attack DC but with no clear direction. DC controlled the pace of the game and Orlando was hopeful of turning it around. But, in the 62nd minute, DC scored the 3-1 score at Exploria Stadium. Benteke was completely unmarked and Orlando City’s backline was not able to clear the ball properly. Yikes. With this result, Orlando succumbs to 9th and DC jumps to 8th place in the standings. A bad game overall for the Lions, after DC’s third they attempted some chances with Facundo at the 10 but were unsuccessful. 19,541 left Exploria Stadium extremely disappointed with the performance, and people started leaving the stands early. Hopefully, the Lions will be able to turn it around against the Galaxy next weekend.
Vamos Orlando!
