MLS Play Returns To Orlando As They Host FC Cincinnati

On Saturday night Orlando City played hosts to FC Cincinnati after each side’s Leagues Cup matches. This was the second fixture of the season between the two sides and in the first one FC Cincinnati put up 6 goals in a 6-2 rout back in May. Orlando City entered this match looking to show just how much the team has changed since that match in May.

Orlando wore their “Orlando Original” kit this weekend and when the game began they were showing that hunger that is needed for a strong second half of the long season. Orlando got the first good chance in the 10th minute when Dorsey found Justin Ellis just outside the 18-yard box. Ellis' initial touch was a bit off, but he settled and fired toward goal. The shot was high, forcing Celentano to push it over the net. On the ensuing corner kick the ball would be touched around as every volley seemed to find a FC Cincinnati player before Spicer would get a foot to it away from Denkey and taking a shot, the shot would miss to the right.

FC Cincinnati came close themselves in the 20^th minute when Ramirez would beat the defense and slide the ball across Crepeau’s box for Barlow to tap in but Barlow somehow failed to make contact with the ball. The play was exactly what makes FC Cincinnati such a dangerous team as they can get bodies towards goal in a hurry and if you miss one they will sneak right in on you.

FC Cincinnati got on in behind the defense in the 21^st minute when Enchenique used his speed on a through ball to get deep into Orlando’s territory. Enchenique passed to Evander who would take a quick shot that would catch Rhein in the head sending him to the ground. The ball would bounce to an awaiting Bucha who kept it low on the pitch for the goal. This goal drew questions from the Orlando side, including Tyrese Spicer who said in the post game presser that the play was out of their hands and they were unsure why the referee didn’t call it.

Orlando would get a few more chances later in the first half including a great build up that showed that Dorsey-Ellis connection and on the first attempt Ellis’ shot was saved as he had Celentano diving the opposite way, but Celentano would get a leg to the ball. Then just moments later a volley into the box Ellis would head it towards goal but right at Celentano who did a great job keeping it 1-0 FC Cincinnati going into the half.

Orlando had the ball to start the second half and on a great steal the ball would be fed to Ellis who would tap it up for Spicer who outmuscled his defender to go one-on-one with Celentano who he would completely fool and get by him for a nice quick shot to tie the game up at 1. Spicer said after the game how much Ellis loves to flick the ball in like that and that he felt good going one-on-one with the keeper there, which his feeling was right.

Orlando didn’t want to take the foot off the gas as there would be multiple chances throughout the second half that made you think they were going to get that much needed second goal. However, it was Cincinnati that almost got the big break in the 53^rd minute when the referee originally called for a penalty but after reviewing the play called Evander for the initial contact negating any chance of a penalty. In the 71^st minute Cincinnati thought they had a goal but the play was called off for offsides.

Stoppage time would see both teams get good chances with both of them sending their shots high just over the crossbar. As the time expired the teams ended in a 1-1 deadlock which was a drastic change from the previous match, in which Justin Ellis said that it was a different looking game this time because they are a different looking team in how they have been playing. Head Coach Martin Perelman echoed that saying that the message was to neutralize their attacking plays and they did just that.

For Orlando they have to have short term memory on this match as they host Chicago Fire who sit in 3^rd place in the Eastern Conference. Orlando sits in 10^th place 3 points out of the Qualification playoff and just 5 points outside of a secure spot in the playoffs. This match is exactly what Orlando City needed to show the MLS that the 6-2 loss in Cincinnati does not represent the team anymore. Instead they are showing they showing that they have changed, now a win against Chicago would help to define who this Orlando City team is.