Throughout the preseason, team chemistry and cohesiveness was a hot topic for Head Coach Adrian Heath. And during this time it seemed as if the team had started to gel in their second preseason together. Scoring over 15 goals in five games, the Lions seemed poised to start the regular season with a bang. Even though Coach Heath made it clear that preseason games could never compare to a regular season MLS game, Orlando City was ready nonetheless.
Against Real Salt Lake, that team bond would be tested. Pulling off what might be the wildest minute of any MLS game in history, Orlando City pushed through together to tie the game at two apiece.
“Did we play as well as we can? No. Did they keep going and keep wanting to get results? I think that was definitely a “yes”.” Coach Heath noted while going into the locker room after today’s tie.
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The resilience and fortitude of a team is tested not when they’re up, but when they’re fighting together. As only a team can, Orlando City was able to come together and show their true measure.
Tested throughout the 94 minutes of the game, the Lions never gave up in their quest of the first goal of the season. Showing how much they trusted second year player Cyle Larin, it was on his third attempt he was able to find the net for his first goal of the season and the first for Orlando City. Never giving up on each other, only seconds later Orlando City’s second goal was scored.
In front of another record-breaking crowd at the Orlando Citrus Bowl, Orlando City showed what type of team they were; never giving up and never backing down.
