It was Cyle Larin’s goals in the 31st and 51st minutes that gave Orlando City the lead. But it was the effort of the Lions defense that gave them the win.
Once Larin’s second goal found the back of the net, New York City FC found their motivation. They were pressing, looking for their two goals to preserve their unbeaten streak at home. They found one in the 74th minute off David Villa -- but that was all they got.
The defensive effort included a stellar performance by the backline, which included Tommy Redding, Jonathan Spector, Scott Sutter, and Donny Toia. Joe Bendik made a total of six saves, including a massive one in stoppage time to preserve three points on the road.
“A lot of determination and grit,” Spector said. “A great save from Joe in the end for us which made a huge difference. I think we were a little disappointed with how we conceded that one goal but overall it was a pretty good performance. After conceding, it did make it a nervous 10-15 minutes, however long was left after that.”
“New York is the home team and obviously it’s going to happen in the last moments of the game,” Larin said. “We just have to make sure to defend as a team and don’t allow plays. Now I think we’re making sure to get results and allows us to do really well.”
But Spector said that the Bendik and the backline are not the only people to credit with the defensive effort. Part of what has made a difference in Orlando City’s defensive work this year is how everyone puts in the work, even strikers. This team is playing with a united effort, and that’s why they’re winning games.
“It took a lot of work. It's a great group. We're all willing to listen to each other, various ideas. I think it's the open mindedness and the the will to work hard for one another that has really made the big difference,” Spector said. “What the coaching staff has done to get us to play as a unit. It's not just the back, we defend from the front. Strikers do a heck of a lot of work up front for us defensively too. I think we have to look at a big picture there as well.
