Orlando City at Toronto FC: Five Takeaways

Orlando City headed into the Great White North to take on Toronto FC in an important Eastern Conference matchup. This wasn’t necessarily a must-win match for Orlando City, but it certainly felt that way, and the Lions found a way to get a 2-1 come-from-behind victory. It was far from a perfect performance, but three points on the road is always welcome. What follows are my five takeaways from a match where Orlando City did enough to get the “dub.”

Conceding Early is Back

It feels like it’s been a minute since Orlando conceded a goal in the opening minutes, but that is exactly what happened at Toronto. The team has actually conceded a league-high 10 times inside the first quarter of an hour in MLS games this season. Despite Orlando City looking to jump out to a quick start, the Lions gave up a goal in the fifth minute. Derrick Etienne, Jr. scored on a first-touch shot from just outside the six-yard box. It was the 12th time that Orlando City has given up the first goal this season.

Sustained Pressure Works

If there is a good thing about giving up an early goal, it is that you have plenty of time to get one back. Orlando City reasserted the offensive pressure after giving up the first goal, which led to the equalizer in the 27th minute. Facundo Torres found Ivan Angulo on the left side, where he crossed the ball into the six-yard box for Martin Ojeda to head in for the tying goal. Ojeda’s header was directed down and with power to get it past Sean Johnson. It was the type of response that the Lions had to have on the road.

On the Right Foot (Literally)

Torres’ left foot is a known threat, but the Uruguayan has been working on his right foot as well. As the first half was winding down, Torres took a pass on the right side of the box. Initially, it looked as though he would move to his left per usual, but then he actually went to his right foot and sent the ball across the front of goal with Angulo lurking near the back post. The ball deflected off Nicksoen Gomis and into the back of the net to give the Lions the lead. The goal was ruled an own goal, but in my heart Torres scored with his right foot.

Return of the Double Pivot

The return of Pedro Gallese and Wilder Cartagena from international duty bolstered the Orlando City defense. It also saw the defensive midfield pairing of Cartagena and Cesar Araujo return. The pair worked well together, much like they did last season, sniffing out attacks and providing a shield for the back line. It was a solid performance from the pair, and one that Orlando City has missed for long stretches of the season.

That’ll Do, Lions. That’ll Do.

This is a club that still has plenty of problems, but this was also a match that Orlando City needed to win. Fortunately, the Lions found enough goals and enough defense to get all three points. Let’s be clear, Toronto has not been good either as of late, which is why it was so important for Orlando City to get all three points from this match. The Lions had a couple of great opportunities to add a third goal to ice the match but couldn’t quite manage it. Regardless, everyone did enough to get the victory.

That is what I saw in Orlando City’s fourth road victory of the season. Let me know your thoughts in the comments below. Vamos Orlando!