Orlando City Stock Watch: Cyle Larin and Kaká Magical in 2-1 Win Over Montreal Impact

It had been 48 days. 1,152 hours. 69,120 winless seconds.

And now, they're over.

Orlando City came back from a fourth-minute goal from Ignacio Piatti to take down the Impact 2-1 in front of the usual raucous crowd at the Bowl Formerly Known as Citrus. While Inchy’s boys enjoy the win and prepare for the midweek game against the Philadelphia Union, the Stock Watch reflects on the victory and the performances that led to — and threatened — the result.

Rising

Cyle Larin & Kaká– This duo is an obvious choice here. After struggling mightily against Sporting Kansas City, Kid Fantastic bounced back with the brace against the Impact. He started off accepting glorious service from Kaká, ducking under his free kick and flicking on with the back of his head to even the score as the first half came to a close.

Larin’s second goal came as a result of a beautiful sequence on the inbound, climaxing with the captain and Júlio Baptista playing a disgusting 1-2 that saw Kaká put the ball just out of reach of the defense and onto Cyle Larin’s extended boot for what proved to be the game winner, and the first three points in just over seven weeks.

The celebration says it all.

Joe Bendik – I’ve mentioned in various writings that Andre Blake could be the most underrated keeper in Major League Soccer.

I was wrong.

Mr. Joe Bendik has shoved that opinion in my face over and over again. Sort of the same way he spent the match shoving Dominic Oduro’s shots back in his face over and over again. You know Dominic Oduro — he’s the guy with a decade of MLS experience, two 10+ goal seasons, and four goals for the Impact already. Well, when you see a guy like that in space, as a goalkeeper, you generally wind up watching the ball hit the back of the net before you can say, “Aw, shit.”

Unless, of course, your name is Joe Bendik.

And when you see a guy like that in even more space — well, let's just hope you have an extra pair of shorts in the locker room.

Unless, of course, your name is Joe Bendik.

Praise be to Joe.

Falling

Rafael Ramos – Rough outing for Rafa, who really has struggled to put together consistent performances this season. In this one he managed zero defensive statistics, and was absolutely chewed up by Piatti on Montreal’s only goal. Jump ahead to the 0:41 mark for the quickie — watch from the beginning if you’re brave.

He came off in the 34' with what looked like a bad hammy. Hopefully it won't keep him out too long, and we'll see him return to form quickly.

If not — Kevin Alston is waiting.

Brek Shea– Another rough night for planet Earth’s favorite left back, who found himself in trouble early and often as a result of being just a bit overzealous. The heartbreaker came when he failed to put either leg on a cross that surely would have scored had he made contact.

He's being aggressive and generally finds himself in solid positioning — he should find his form again soon.

Polling Closed