Orlando City vs. Sporting Kansas City: Five Takeaways

Orlando City players and fans were the unfortunate victims of a classic Central Florida summer storm system, which disrupted the kickoff of Saturday’s match for over three hours. The game didn’t conclude until early today as a result.

The delay didn’t seem to initially matter much for the Lions, as they jumped out to an early lead. The Lions conceded before the break and it required a two-goal second-half effort for Orlando City to secure all three points at home. What follows are my five takeaways for an unexpected version of Orlando City After Dark and a 3-1 victory over Sporting Kansas City. 

A Spicy Start

Newcomer Tyrese Spicer wasted very little time opening his Orlando City scoring account in the City Beautiful. He found the back of the net just 90 seconds into his first start as a Lion with a volley off of Jon Pulskamp’s save on a Martin Ojeda shot. Spicer, a former No. 1 overall pick in the Major League Soccer SuperDraft, was acquired from Toronto FC on Aug. 1 and has quickly shown some of the physical skills that he brings to the left side of the pitch. Getting goal-scoring contributions from the left side of the field, whether from Ivan Angulo or Spicer, could be the key that fully unlocks an already historically good Orlando City attack.

Giving in to Constant Pressure

After a bright opening 10 minutes, Orlando City looked like a completely different team. The Lions seemed to lack energy, turned the ball over cheaply several times, and were threatened by Sporting playing direct balls over the back line. Giving credit where it is due, Sporting Kansas City ratcheted up its pressure and found multiple chances to draw the game level. The equalizer finally came for the visitors in the 25th minute. Mason Toye latched onto a pass making a run between Rodrigo Schlegel and Robin Jansson. Pedro Gallese came out to cut off the angle, but Toye got his shot past El Pulpo. Joveljic was first to it to tap it home. The way the effort on the field flipped, Orlando City was lucky to only allow the one goal to SKC and make it into the half level at one goal apiece.

Second Half Adjustments

Head Coach Oscar Pareja sent in usual starter Alex Freeman after halftime and removed Kyle Smith. The change proved to be a pivotal one, as it allowed Dagur Dan Thorhallsson to slide into the defensive midfield with Eduard Atuesta. The change stabilized the midfield for the Lions and also allowed the attack to find more consistency as Freeman was able to get into dangerous positions up the right side of the field. It seemed like Orlando might find a goal in the first five to 10 minutes of the second half with a rejuvenated attacking spirit and the energy Thorhallsson brought to the middle of the pitch, which I believe had much to do thanks to one simple substitute.

Enrique Breaks the Deadlock

Although Luis Muriel, who entered the match red hot, did not score Saturday, the Lions still got a goal from a striker against Sporting. Second-half super substitute Ramiro Enrique took a centering pass from Ojeda with his back to goal, fought off significant pressure from two defenders and the charging goalkeeper, and made a nifty quick spin move, freeing himself up to put the ball into the back of the net to put Orlando City back on top in the 76th minute. The play was started by fellow sub Angulo, who teamed with Thorhallsson to win the ball in the attacking third, with the Colombian finding Ojeda on the right. What a luxury it must be for Pareja to be able to employ a fast, energetic striker like Enrique against tired legs. Enrique constantly seems to score goals when the Lions need them the most. With the game-winning goal, Enrique has now equaled his 2024 goal total with seven regular-season matches still to go.

Nico Seals the Deal with First Orlando Goal

After taking the lead on the foot of Enrique, Orlando City put the nail in the coffin just a few moments later, when Nico Rodriguez pounced on a deflected shot from Freeman, which fell right to him in front of goal. Rodriguez smashed it into the back of the net to put Orlando City up 3-1. For the youngster, who has struggled to break into the gameday lineups this season while dealing with the injury bug and solid play from the likes of Marco Pasalic, the goal came at a perfect time. The goal put any hopes of a Sporting Kansas City comeback to bed.

Those are the things that stood out most from a stellar 3-1 victory at home in front of the die-hard fans who braved the elements to support the boys in purple. It will be a quick turnaround for Orlando City, which now has to travel west to Los Angeles to face Liga MX side Toluca in the Leagues Cup quarterfinals. What stood out most to you from the match? Let us know in the comments below, and as always, vamos Orlando!