Orlando City Secures First Season Win in 3-0 Romp Over FC Cincinnati
Orlando City SC's Tesho Akindele kicks in the fastest goal in the club's history against FC Cincinnati at Exploria Stadium Saturday, May 1, 2021. Photo: Harry Castiblanco/Florida National News.
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — Orlando City got off to a fiery start against FC Cincinnati in record timing. Tesho Akindele pounced on a dead ball in the defensive half, and Orlando City wasted no time in converting their fastest goal in Orlando City SC history (33 seconds). The previous record was held by Chris Mueller, who scored in 2018 against the San Jose Earthquakes in 63 seconds. Pundits predicted a lopsided scoreline early on given the return of Mauricio Pereyra to the OCSC lineup, but no one could have predicted a start like this.
Orlando City’s season started slightly underwhelming. With just two points in two games, players and fans have been itching to scream victory, and they got their wishes tonight. The starting XI looked menacing even after the early goal with some impressive 1-2 touches between Kyle Smith and Luis Nani. The magisterial display continued for the Portuguese international as he danced around defenders at the edge of the penalty box to deliver a sumptuous second goal.
The attacking aggressiveness for Orlando City was the difference maker tonight. Players like Tesho, Nani and Mueller kept running at the defensive line of Cincinnati in order to coax mistakes. The forward press gave way to a slew of defensive errors and Orlando enjoyed the Lions share of those mistakes. Sebastian Mendez ended up with a yellow card at the 28′ mark due to a chippy challenge. Besides that blemish, Orlando City remained steadfast and dominant throughout the first half.
The second half continued much like the first, given FC Cincinnati’s frailties at the back. Orlando City continued to pounce forward on loose balls, inserting multiple members into the box to force chances. This effort was undoubtedly Orlando’s best offensive outing of the season thus far. In their final show of dominance to close the night, Junior Urso finished an effort in the box that was rebounded by Benji Michel. This goal in the 80′ minute culminated in a cool 3-0 victory for Orlando as they made the most of their chances with each half.
Junior Urso commented that these three points were extremely important, especially considering the two draws Orlando started the season with:
“We drew two important games. But it’s also more important to get those those wins this season [too]. It gives us the confidence to play all season.”
Orlando City look to take their newfound confidence in front of goal with them to New York on May 8. They take on NYCFC, who sit just above them on the ladder in second place with six points and three goals in hand on GD. NYCFC have had plenty success finding the back of the net in their wins, but their loss to D.C. United showed instances of weakness at the back. In this rematch of last seasons dramatic MLS playoff clash, both Orlando and New York jostle for position on the ladder in a crucial early season game.
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Nicolas Vera is a sports reporter for Florida National News. | sports@floridanationalnews.com
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