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Orlando City scored late in the second half against San Jose but failed to defend their lead.
The line-up Jason Kreis, Orlando City Head Coach, produced for this midweek fixture was a true test of depth. Players such as Ricardo Kaka, Carlos Rivas, and Jonathan Spector did not start for Orlando.
Your Starting XI for tonight's match out in San Jose. #SJvORL
Coverage begins at 10:00 p.m. with #CityOn27. pic.twitter.com/C9p1bCfcto
— Orlando City SC (@OrlandoCitySC) May 18, 2017
The defense was especially suspect considering two of the four defenders were getting their first minutes; Left Back Victor “PC” Giro and Center Back Léonardo Pereira made their first appearances for Orlando in what proved to be a good match for them.
Forgettable First Half
Striker Cyle Larin had a few chances in front of goal to put Orlando City in front, but failed to keep his header on target in the 9th minute when Will Johnson whipped in a quality ball into the box. San Jose created a dangerous free kick opportunity in the 26th minute. A curling strike from Earthquake’s Jahmir Hyka forced Joe Bendik to make a save. The best attempt in the first half went to the new face in the squad, Victor “PC” Giro. The crossbar denied Orlando City from taking the lead heading into halftime.
Same PC, same.
0-0 | #SJvORL pic.twitter.com/h7eJt69rcw
— Orlando City SC (@OrlandoCitySC) May 18, 2017
Substitutions Made the Difference
In the 60th minute Ricardo Kaka and Carlos Rivas came into the game for Orlando City and instantly impacted the team’s performance. Rivas’ speed provided an outlet for the defense and was the catalyst in numerous counter-attacking plays. In the 80th minute Rivas’ hard work paid off. Kaka fed the ball into Victor “PC” Giro who found Rivas waiting to pounce on the cross. Clinical finish.
@Kaka ➡️ P.C. ➡️ Rivas@OrlandoCitySC break the tie. #SJvORL https://t.co/KVOXv3lsRL
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) May 18, 2017
Defense Plagues City Once Again
Just like it happened recently against Sporting Kansas City, Jason Kreis’ team gave away their lead rather cheaply. San Jose’s next attacking opportunity would destroy Orlando’s chances of leaving San Jose with a win and all three points. The Earthquakes scrapped together a goal just three minutes after conceding thanks to USMNT player Chris Wondolowski redirecting a wayward shot. The game ended in a 1-1 draw.
Super sub @tomthom11!
Tommy Thompson's first touch of the game sets up the equalizer from @ChrisWondo. #SJvORL https://t.co/WnrDwyj9qp
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) May 18, 2017
Orlando City returns home for their Sunday fixture against New York City FC. Orlando is winless in their last four games, but have beaten New York City FC twice already this season. NYCFC is also coming off a loss to their Western Conference opponent during the midweek.
