Orlando City did not look Playoff ready through 37 minutes. At least, the Lions were competing. At least they gave themselves a shot at winning. At least they were in the conversation, looking better and looking more active and aggressive offensively.
In a moment, it all came crashing down. The man who helped Orlando City pick up its width and attack, ended the afternoon at the moment it could have turned for Orlando City and given the team the positive push it needed.
Rafael Ramos’ slide tackle was exactly in character for the young Portuguese defender. He has been willing to push forward off the wings and attack, using his speed to get forward and recover. His inexperience though has often led him to reckless challenges. His red card against Columbus on the road buried Orlando, putting the team in a deficit.
He did it again in the 37th minute with a late challenge coming from behind. A straight red card put Orlando City down a man for the entire second half. Toronto took advantage quickly and often.
Michael Bradley’s beautiful passing to Marcus Delgado led to an easy goal just a minute into the second half. Sebastian Giovinco scored twice, including one off a free kick on a foul just outside the box. And Jozy Altidore added a goal off a penalty kick when Eric Winter picked up a second yellow card.
Toronto’s 5-0 win at BMO Field was a continuation of all that has gone on with Orlando City for much of the last month and a half. It continued the frustration the team has had with officiating as another two players were sent off, leaving an already challenged Orlando City team shorthanded in a major way.
All five goals were scored in the second half. It seemed like Ramos’ return did much to help Orlando City calm down and find pace and rhythm.
His absence though brought the return of the disconnection, desperation and frustration. The Lions mustered only two real opportunities a man down.
The Lions had a nice run from Kaka down the left flank where he beat a few defenders. He fired the box toward the middle where Lewis Neal one timed it on net. The shot was blocked though and prevented from going on net.
When that opportunity came, the Lions were already down a few goals. It was their only gasp.
Orlando City faltered when it tried to push forward too much and turned the ball over. The Lions’ turnovers in the midfield led to Toronto coming forward in numbers. Numbers Orlando City could not account for down a man.
When Toronto FC got into the attacking third, the team seemed to come in waves. The scoring came quickly, efficiently and easily in the end. Orlando City got left holding the bag for another poor defensive decision that left a player in the referee’s book.
Before Orlando City moves anywhere, the team has to get these outbursts under control and keep 11 players on the field. At this point, with all their struggles, it is their only way the Lions stand a chance.
A home game may be all Orlando City needs to begin righting the ship (against a weak opponent, at least by the standings).
