Orlando City Manages to Take a Point on the Road versus Cincinnati
As the season's end draws near, Orlando and Cincinnati split points in another major Eastern Conference clash.
The Cardiac Cats made another appearance this week in a competitive clash between Orlando City and a shield-chasing FC Cincinnati. Despite Orlando having already qualified for the MLS Cup Playoffs due to a Red Bulls loss, the lions in purple are still fighting for the right to a home playoff game. On the other side of the coin, the lions in orange are still in the chase for another Supporter’s Shield amongst Philadelphia, San Diego, and Vancouver. Crucial points were on the line for both teams for this match, however, the spoils of victory would be given to neither.
The game began with both teams testing their opposition’s defensive plan. Early on, a Cincinnati chance forced Pedro Gallese into a cat-like kick save in the sixth minute. Not long after, Duncan McGuire would find himself directly in front of goal with just the Cincinnati keeper in front of him. However, the attacker failed to convert after a hasty toe poke simply put the ball wide of the posts. The first half would end with FCC enjoying most of the possession but with Orlando having the lion’s share of chances created.
The first goal wouldn’t come until late into the second half. After a period of dominance from Cincinnati’s attack, a perfectly placed pass from Evander found the feet of Kevin Denkey who took a one time shot into the bottom left corner of the Orlando goal. This marks Denkey’s 14th goal on the season and Evander’s 13th assist; the later player still in contention for the MLS MVP.
If you’ve watched Orlando City for any amount of time, you would know that the team is at their most unpredictable in the final minutes of any game. This story would play out again. And in a very similar story to Orlando’s previous game, it would be Tyrese Spicer charging down the wing, a quick spin to throw off his defender, and a perfectly floated cross that would find Alex Freeman at the back post. Freeman would bury this chance into the back of the net to rescue a very important point for Orlando.
Orlando City SC will now return home to play the other team from the Buckeye State, Columbus Crew. Orlando still have a game in hand against most of their Eastern Conference rivals and are still in the fight for a home playoff match. Cincinnati, however, may be upset to drop points at home and may begin feeling the Shield escaping their grasps.