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In the first half, the Lions could’ve been up 3-0 at least. In the 6th minute, Mikey Halliday was completely open on the right flank and he went on the counter, unfortunately, his pass to Kara was denied by the Galaxy’s backline. Minutes later, Orlando started to unnecessarily turn over the ball. The Galaxy’s backline left tons of space for Mikey Halliday to quickly develop attacking plays through his right flank. Great job by the Lions’ mid recovering the ball and forcing LA to turn the ball over. In the 15th minute, amazing through ball by Jansson to Halliday but unfortunately the Orlando homegrown, was not able to control the ball properly. It could’ve been another good chance off LA’s right flank. After that, it was all Orlando City, generating plays dominating possession, and chances in attack. In the 28th minute, Kara had a chance to make it 1-0 but took too long to shoot the ball and passed it to Angulo that was barely able to touch the ball. In the 39th minute, after a beautiful pass from Halliday, who in my opinion was the best player in the first 45 minutes, Ercan Kara scored the 1-0 lead for Orlando, with a beautiful finish. In the 43rd minute, Angulo off the counter pretty much owned the left flank for Orlando City and had a beautiful link-up play with Ojeda, that the Argentinean shot wide and Klinsmann had a HUGE save, it could’ve been the 2-0 lead. Orlando City dominated the first half, with an amazing goal by Ercan Kara. Halliday and Antonio Carlos were the best in the first half in my opinion. The Orlando homegrown will have more chances and Orlando needs to capitalize on those chances.
In the second half, LA Galaxy’s response was to shoot from a distance and hope for Orlando to turn over the ball so they can go on the counter. Tincho Ojeda came close to scoring with a curved shot that went wide. In the 57th minute, a beautiful link-up counterplay between Kara and Ojeda ended up with a goal by Facundo Torres. Orlando City deservedly so was up 2-0. After the goal, Orlando subbed in Dagur Dan for Ojeda and Gonzalez for Angulo. Orlando City with fresh legs was able to take over the game. Alex Freeman saw his MLS debut at the death of the game, minute 93′. Proud moment for the Orlando City homegrown. After so many people asked for our DP’s to excel above all, tonight they surely did. Ercan Kara and Facundo scored two great goals and the home loss curse at Exploria Stadium was finally put to rest.
Orlando City will travel to Montreal to face the Impact on May 6th.
Vamos Orlando!
