Kaká scores as Orlando City draw with New York City FC in Carolina Cup
The Lions’ opening match in the 12th annual Carolina Cup Challenge marked its first-ever contest against fellow expansion side New York City FC (NYCFC), providing a preview of their Major League Soccer (MLS) home-opener at the Orlando Citrus on March 8, 2015.
In an entertaining fixture, both teams battled to earn a 1-1 draw in Charleston, South Carolina. Brazilian superstar Kaká scored the first goal of the match in the 31st minute, but NYCFC’s David Villa set up Khiry Shelton’s goal in the second half to level the score-line.
The game was the first opportunity for fans to see the two new MLS outfits and the game demonstrated that exciting times are ahead for both teams. The game was a little physical at times, but that’s expected at this level. New York dominated the early play before Orlando edged their way back into things with some neat passing and movement off the ball.
New York showed plenty of menace and went closest to opening the scoring in the 10th minute when David Villa saw his shot cannon back off the crossbar. Shortly afterward, Kaká matched Villa’s strike with his own bit of magic in the final third, when he took on two NYCFC defenders and slipped it through Sebastian Velasquez’s legs before having his shot deflected wide for a corner.
Kaká continued to cause problems for the New York back line when he received a well-timed through ball in behind from Bryan Róchez in the 24th minute. The Brazilian attempted to chip Josh Saunders in the New York goal but the goalkeeper did well to push the ball wide.
The Lions would take the lead when Kaká displayed a moment of brilliance, combining with several Lions in the midfield before blasting the ball into the back of the net from the edge of the area to give Orlando a 1-0 lead. The finish marked his second goal in four preseason matches with Orlando City.
Orlando City Head Coach Adrian Heath made one substitution at half time, replacing Cristian Higuita with midfielder Darwin Cerén. Meanwhile, NYCFC Coach Jason Kreis kept his starting 11 from the first half intact.
NYCFC then deservedly equalized in the 56th minute after another period of dominating play. Villa capitalized on a defensive error from Aurélien Collin to slip in Khiry Shelton who finished comfortably past Donovan Ricketts in the Lions goal.
A minute later, Orlando almost restored their lead as Brian Róchez cleverly created space on the edge of the area to fire a shot against the woodwork. Kevin Molino then fired over the bar only to see the offside flag raised.
With slightly over 20 minutes remaining, both sides introduced their substitutes and Orlando fielded an entirely different lineup with Earl Edwards, trialist Seb Hines, Conor Donovan, Tyler Turner, Luke Boden, Harrison Heath, Tony Cascio, Eric Avila, Pedro Ribeiro and Cyle Larin entering the field.
The fresh legs on the pitch provided a spark to the match as both sides began exchanging chances. Ribeiro came close to giving the Lions the lead with a strong header from a free-kick but saw his chance go just over the crossbar. On the ensuing play, NYCFC created a dangerous opportunity that was deflected wide for a corner.
As the game approached the final minutes, Cascio provided a final attempt for the Lions to secure the win, hitting a powerful shot on target that was saved by the goalkeeper.
The game concluded with Orlando having 12 shots on goal compared to New York’s 9. Both coaches will be pleased with the result but both will know they have plenty to work on before the MLS Season Opener on 8th March in Orlando.
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