It was a frustrating evening for Orlando City as the Lions were on the losing side of a 3-0 score line against New York City FC.
“It just wasn’t our night,” defender Jonathan Spector told reporters after Sunday’s home defeat. It has been a tough stretch for Orlando City, but Spector is optimistic that the team will rebound against Minnesota United. “It’s about reacting to [the loss] and getting a result on the road in Minnesota now,” Spector continued. “The togetherness, the fight, the team spirit is all still there and that’s important.”
Orlando City will have to rely on the leadership of veterans like Spector to push on and remain positive during this rough patch of the season.
The score line however did not tell the whole story of the match. Both possession and total shots were essentially 50/50 for the match but New York was more clinical with their finishing. A Larin penalty shot that struck the post was a critical junction in the match that could have made it 2-1 and changed the whole complexion of the game. Carlos Rivas put the NYCFC back line under pressure all match but the Colombian was unable to find the back of the net on the night. It quite simply would not fall for Orlando City.
A look at the big picture: the Lions are still tied for third place in the Eastern Conference and the prospect of earning a playoff spot is still well within reach
