Orlando City continues its preparation for the regular season debut March 6 against Real Salt Lake as the team played its final friendly against a MLS team on Monday in a 2-1 win over Toronto FC.
Kaka scored twice in the second half to complete the comeback and lead Orlando City to the victory. He paired nicely with Kevin Molino on his first goal, ending with Kaka sending a strong left-footed shot past the goalkeeper.
This was all within the first five minutes of the first half.
Molino would draw a penalty in the 63rd minute and set Kaka up for a penalty kick goal to end the scoring and deliver Orlando City a win.
As Parramore Pundits pointed out, Molino continues to look strong on the wings and connect well with Kaka as he works back from a torn ACL.
It also appears the Lions are set to name Aurelian Collin as the team’s center back after having him sub in for Seb Hines to start the second half. There was some concern with Collin not starting the past few friendlies that he may have fallen somewhat out of favor.
The Lions were much better defensively controlling the flow of the game when Collin checked in for the second half. Sebastian Giovinco, as always, was dangerous but his last ditch effort cleared the top of the goal thanks to a save from Joe Bendik, who has played very well through the preseason friendlies.
“Reflecting on the match,” Head Coach Adrian Heath told OrlandoCitySC.com, “I’m pleased with the performance and thought in the second half, we were very good at times. More importantly the attitude of the players was a lot more competitive than the other day and that was pleasing. This time of year, we just want to get through unscathed and get some fitness – I think we’ve done that today. But, the attitude of the players was good so I was pleased with that.”
Orlando City is playing the Fort Lauderdale Strikes on Wednesday and have a friendly at the Orlando Citrus Bowl with Brazilian side Esporte Club Bahia. That friendly, unlike the past several, will be open to the public and kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. It will be the public’s first real look at this team.
The Lions seem to be rounding well into form as the season approaches.
