It was a team effort on Friday night when Orlando City went on the road to defeat the New York Red Bulls 5-2 — and people around the league took notice.
On Monday, Cyle Larin, Kaká, Crisitan Higuita, and Adrian Heath were all named to the MLS Team of the Week. In addition, Orlando City was named SBI MLS Team of the Week
Cyle Larin set the rookie goal scoring record early in the match, heading home a Kaká corner kick to give Orlando City the early lead. He followed up with two more in the final 45’ to record his second hat trick of the season.
Kaká made his return to the lineup in a big way, recording two assists on the night. His delivery from the corner on Larin’s first goal was picture perfect and he put the icing on the cake in stoppage time, setting up Bryan Róchez’s goal.
Cristian Higuita was a fantastic choice by the MLSsoccer.com crew. He turned in an excellent defensive effort, including a nice hustle play to start the counter on Orlando City’s third goal. He also was key in orchestrating the Lions’ attack turning in a 90 percent passing rate for the night.
Finally, Adrian Heath’s flexed his managerial muscle from the sideline with some excellent strategic moves. When Seb Hines went down early in the first half, and with no defenders on the bench, Heath moved Luke Boden into the middle of the defense, dropped Brek Shea to left back and inserted Carlos Rivas at left midfield. The defense held strong and Carlos Rivas delivered one of his best performances of the season with two world-class assists.
Orlando City will look to continue their good form in a key matchup at home this weekend against Montreal. Get your tickets here.
