The frustration was palpable as Orlando City saw a 90th minute goal sneak past on a gorgeous cross from league MVP Sebastian Giovinco to Justin Morrow to tap it in behind Joe Bendik as he sold out on Giovinco’s run.
Orlando City’s defense again had let go of the rope and given up the game-tying goal late. It felt like another draw was in the works.
Relief would only come from 10 minutes of stoppage time and a penalty kick that may not be from controversy itself. Kaka, the team captain continuing to battle through injuries and making his return since the latest one suffered during Copa America training, stepped in and hit the shot to the underside of the crossbar and in.
It took 100 minutes, but Orlando City found the winner and escaped with a 3-2 win over Toronto FC at Camping World Stadium, ending a home winless stretch and finally securing all three points at home, even if it had to come at the end once again and after losing two leads.
Orlando City still has to learn to close games, but the team has certainly figured out how to finish them. Or something.
The Lions dominated the match for much of the first half, holding possession and putting constant pressure on Toronto’s defense. Kevin Molino, Adrian Winter and Kaka harassed the Toronto back line, forcing turnovers and getting scoring opportunities.
Cyle Larin opened the scoring in the fifth minute, receiving a gorgeous cross-field pass to the far post from Kevin Molino that he popped into the top of the net. Larin hit the woodwork late in the first half. It was the perfect start.
Toronto struck back early in the second half though even with Orlando City still maintaining possession and an advantage.
Jordan Hamilton snuck behind the defense, and may have been offside, off a nice flick from Jonathan Osorio to equalize.
It became a back-and-forth affair from then. Orlando City broke through again in the 83rd minute. Orlando City got the ball deep in the corner, forcing a save. Molino dug the ball out and centered it into the box where Adrian Winter headed it into the unprotected net.
It seemed like Orlando City was on its way to a win. The Lions had lost some grip over the game, but substitutions of Julio Baptista helped refresh the lineup and then Cervando Carrasco bolstered the defense.
It was just that last-minute goal again. Orlando City did not hold onto the lead once again.
A freak injury to Toronto’s goalkeeper on a goal kick gave the Lions more time. Eight minutes of stoppage time. Another injury in stoppage time added more time.
Orlando City has used every second throughout the season. It is a lesson the team has continually learned. And as the seconds ticked off Orlando City found that little bit of magic.
There is still things to clean up. The Lions had a lot of possession but again could not threaten enough. They could not get shots consistently and seemed ready and eager to overpass. The Lions scored three goals for the first time since an April 3 win over the Portland Timbers. This is not an offensive-minded team.
And the defense has had its cracks. It certainly did again as Orlando City lost the lead in the closing minutes once again.
The Lions though found a way to win. Finally. A home win is valuable no matter how the team gets it. Especially this season when the team has struggled to do just that — three home wins now.
Orlando City has a penchant for dramatics and it happened again. This time, at least, Orlando City finally came out on top.
[…] fans erupted as the Lions gained three points against Toronto FC this weekend. As the season continues, late game thrillers will be important as we are approaching the midway […]