Orlando City Stock Watch: Ribeiro Rising While Rivas Flops

Saturday night saw Orlando City earn a bittersweet 2-2 draw against Columbus Crew SC, thanks to a stoppage time goal from the returning Pedro Ribeiro. With the Crew going a man down before the national anthem was over, we were all expecting another win in the Citrus Bowl from the Lions, who failed to avenge the 3-0 defeat Columbus laid on them earlier this year.

Which Lions' stock is rising and whose is falling in the aftermath of their fifth draw of the season?

Rising

Pedro Ribeiro – Returning to action for the first time since blowing a hammy on April 3, Pedro wasted no time reminding fans what a revelation he'd been for the club early in the year, pulling the game even in the 89th minute with arguably the most impressive City goal so far this season.

Seen here astutely turning from the defense before gathering momentum at net, Ribeiro blasts a low shot past Steve Clark from 25 yards out to cause pure mayhem inside the Citrus Bowl, before being given the unofficial title of King of Orlando.

Eric Avila – I’ll be honest with you, I was positively devastated when news of Kevin Molino’s injury hit. Not only would this stall the momentum of #Molinomania, but it seemingly left a big hole in the right side of the midfield. Avila has done a remarkable job filling in, clicking with Rafael Ramos in a way few predicted to threaten along the right side.

The work of Avila has allowed Rafa opportunities like his shot last week and his ball in to Cyle Larin that truly should have been converted, and Avila deserves props for seamlessly fitting in to the top 11.

Falling

Cyle Larin – I know I just finished writing a piece about how fantastic Cyle is. I still believe in Cyle long term, but he was disappointing on the finish against Columbus, missing the net with the kind of consistency that puts lobster on the plate of beer vendors everywhere.

His miss in front of the supporters just after Michael Parkhurst's red card especially stung, as it would have set the boys up 2-1 with a man advantage early on.

Carlos Rivas – Rivas had been strong coming off the bench in recent efforts, changing the pace of games with his dynamic athleticism and high motor, but was simply off for much of the match with the Crew. Starting in place of suspended Brek Shea, Rivas didn’t seem to have the same chemistry with the rest of the midfield.

He did himself no favors by dropping in the box like he'd just eaten a Deontay Wilder right hook early in the second half.

The purple clad lads travel to Chicago to put out the Fire next, it will be interesting to see who builds on their momentum and who leaves it in Orlando.