On Saturday evening, the 13-12-6 Orlando City SC (45 points) defeated the 9-16-7 Toronto FC (34 points) 4-0 at Exploria Stadium. This win marks a season sweep over the Canadian-based squad after Kyle Smith scored a stoppage-time game-winner at BMO Field earlier this season.
With a 9th shutout of the season, Orlando City goalkeeper Pedro Gallese and the backline set a new Club record. The Lions hold an 8-0-1 record in those nine games, including a shutout win over Toronto FC in their first meeting. The energy to performance was clearly on the field.
In addition to three Toronto own goals, Facundo Torres, Ercan Kara, and Tesho Akindele each scored once to help City to victory. On the night, Kara tied Torres for the team lead with his 11th goal of the year in all competitions. Orlando City became the first MLS franchise to have a double-digit scorer in each of its first eight regular seasons thanks to Kara’s goal. Akindele’s goal was his third of the season, with all three coming in the second half.
This display of performance was an amazing watch. We expect the game against New York City in October will prove to be a different story as the New York will look for revenge against the Lions for their August defeat corner kicks and yellow cards throughout the ending half of the game.
THE CONVERSATION.