ORLANDO, Fla. (August 24, 2016) – In its second match in five days, Orlando City SC (5-7-13, 28 points) fell to Eastern Conference leader Toronto FC (12-7-7, 43 points) 2-1 Wednesday at Camping World Stadium. Tony Rocha made his first career MLS start and Cyle Larin scored his team-leading 13th goal of the season.
“It’s a night where I thought we did some really nice things. I’m still seeing improvements, I’m still seeing positive signs that we’re headed in a good direction. Obviously against a team like Toronto, they took some chances. They’re a quality team. They can put you under it for a bit so credit to them,” Head Coach Jason Kreis said. “But I think we did enough in this game that we earned a point. Unfortunately we didn’t get it but on a different night I think we do get it.”
The Lions fell into an early hole when reigning MLS MVP Sebastian Giovinco found Tosaint Ricketts in behind the back line. Ricketts fired a shot around goalkeeper Joe Bendik for the opening goal.
Orlando City put the pressure on in search of the equalizer and almost found it just two minutes later when Kevin Molino, who made his first start since July 31, flicked a ball in for Larin. The young Canadian flicked a right-footed shot just wide of goal.
The Lions found the equalizer in the 56th minute when Luke Boden, who made his return to the starting lineup, lofted a ball for Larin inside the box. The reigning MLS Rookie of the Year headed the ball off the inside corner of the post, across the goal and over the line for the equalizer.
Larin struck the same corner again in the second minute of added time. His right-footed shot from distance struck the outside of the post, though, and out of bounds as the Lions looked to equalize again after Jozy Altidore’s 87th minute goal.
Bendik, who has won MLS Save of the Week nine times this season, put on yet another incredible performance. The Georgia native made an outstanding save on Jozy Altidore in the 66th minute after the U.S. national team forward headed a shot from inside the six-yard box that Bendik somehow dove across to get a hand on. Bendik finished with five saves.
Rocha, who was signed from Orlando City B on Aug. 4, made his first career MLS start in his third appearance. The 23-year-old midfielder played alongside Antonio Nocerino and was solid in the defensive midfield. Rocha also created several opportunities in the attack, chipping a ball in for Kaká in the 29th minute and again in the 34th.
City faces another short turnaround when they host 2015 expansion rival New York City FC on Sunday, Aug. 28, at 7 p.m. ET. before going out on a two-game road trip to Montreal and Los Angeles.
