With a playoff berth still within reach for City, more defining moments are bound to occur in the inaugural campaign, but for now, let’s take a look back at some of the more memorable ones that had us on the edge of our seats, brought celebration, and occasionally produced a tear or two.
5. Inchy the Capo
Adrian Heath, the only manager in Club history, is as passionate a fan as any aficionado at the Orlando Citrus Bowl.
Heath, who felt his team had been victims of a few harsh red cards throughout the season, put his emotions on full display after Cyle Larin was shown a red card, eventually leading to his own sending off.
During his exit to the locker-room, the gaffer made sure it was no walk of shame – energetically waving his hands in the air bringing over 30,000 fans at the Orlando Citrus Bowl to a deafening volume as the fans stood behind their fierce leader.
Now that’s the kind of coach I’d want to fight for.
4. Stoppage Time Magic
It was very early in the season, but at this stage fans at home were craving a great performance at home. With the Lions returning to the Citrus Bowl after two consecutive losses on the bounce against Columbus and Toronto, a strong result against New England was crucial.
When City went behind 2-0 to the Revolution in the 72nd minute, it seemed like fans might not get their wish that evening. But, with supporters willing them forward, Orlando City would break through three minutes later, setting the stage for one of the most dramatic finishes this season.
With the game on the line, Orlando pushed everyone forward, including center-half Aurélien Collin. The ball found its way out to Luke Boden, whose cross into the box seemed to hang for an eternity in the air, before finding the French defender on the back post for a powerful header off the crossbar to bring things level.
Clutch status.
3. Lions’ Glory in Hostile Territory
For a young expansion team, venturing into one of the most intimidating environments in the league is no easy task six games into the season.
Going up against the Portland Timbers – who were unbeaten in their previous seven fixtures dating back to 2014 – was arguably the toughest contest the team had faced all season.
With the Lions put to the test in a sold out stadium, Cyle Larin stunned the sell-out crowd with his first professional goal, using his chest to produce one of the most creative finishes so far this season, kick-starting his Rookie of the Year worthy campaign #Larin4ROY.
With the Timbers pushing late in the second half, Kaká sealed the deal from the penalty spot with six minutes remaining.
2. Taking Down the Champs
Up next is by far one of the most entertaining performances to take place at the Citrus Bowl so far this season.
Despite producing a few strong results on the road, the Lions had yet to win a home match in five games played. With the defending champs coming to town and over 40,000 tickets sold for the game, the stage was set for a magical night.
Led by the maestro Kaká, the team defied expectations in typical Orlando City fashion by not only picking up three points against the Galaxy but also making a statement in the process – putting up four against LA for the largest margin of victory by an expansion team over a defending MLS champion in league history.
Standard.
1. Breaking Records
This year’s opening day will forever be remembered as one of the greatest moments in Orlando City history.
March 8 was more than the inaugural Major League Soccer (MLS) match – it was an emotion-filled culmination of ending a successful five-year journey in the minor leagues, and the start of a new quest Front Office Staff, fans and team fought to achieve.
City aficionados filled the stadium with 62,510 roaring fans, reminding the world in a match broadcast in over 30 languages across 100 countries that #CityPride was alive.
With NYCFC midfielder Mix Diskerud attempting to spoil the Lions’ party with a curling strike, the Brazilian team captain, Kaká, responded with a free-kick in the final minute for his first-ever goal in purple during stoppage time. The ‘Bowl was chaos.
