ORLANDO, Fla. (September 30, 2017) – In its 100th MLS match, Orlando City SC (10-13-9, 39 points) drew FC Dallas (10-9-12, 42 points), 0-0, Saturday at Orlando City Stadium. It was the Lions’ seventh clean sheet of the season. The Lions tied their team single-season clean sheet record of seven set in 2015.
“The truth of the matter is that I’m pleased with the performance. Really pleased with the efforts the group put out. I knew it was going to be a difficult day. It’s hot out there today, it’s our third game in a week, we’ve had to travel all the way to Portland and back in the last week,” Lions head coach Jason Kreis said. “A lot of considerations for why the performance wasn’t quite as energetic as I would’ve liked it to have been. But at the end of the day the guys gave everything they had and I think can feel very proud of what they put into that game.”
Kreis came out with an XI with only one change from Wednesday’s 6-1 win over New England, inserting Jonathan Spector, who returned from suspension, at center back alongside Seb Hines, who made his third consecutive appearance, and Scott Sutter and Donny Toia on the flanks. Servando Carrasco made his second consecutive start and Yoshimar Yotún, Antonio Nocerino and Giles Barnes were in the midfield. Dom Dwyer and captain Kaká were the forwards.
The match saw Dallas control large spells of possession but struggle to create truly threatening chances. Bendik’s five saves set a new single-season career-high (115) following his 114 in 2016, which were second-most in MLS.
“I think that performance tonight was indicative of his entire year,” Kreis added. “He’s been Johnny-on-the-spot for us when we’ve needed him for the big occasions and has made very, very few mistakes the entire season. He’s had another strong year.”
City moved to a very offensive lineup in the second half, with Richie Laryea replacing Carrasco and leading scorer Cyle Larin entering in place of Nocerino. Striker Carlos Rivas entered for Sutter in the 84th. The moves sparked the attack as City held the ball deep in the Dallas third for much of stoppage time, threatening the backline in numerous occasions but unable to get the finishing touch.
Orlando City moves into eighth place in the Eastern Conference, four points behind sixth-place New York with two fewer games remaining.
The Lions will have a two-week hiatus due to the FIFA international break before returning to Orlando City Stadium for the final time in 2017 when they host Columbus Crew SC on Sunday, Oct. 15, at 7:30 p.m. ET.
Scoring Summary:
None.
Misconduct Summary:
DAL - Michael Barrios (Yellow Card) 90+2’
Lineups/Substitutions:
Orlando City SC - GK Joe Bendik, D Donny Toia, Jonathan Spector, Seb Hines, Scott Sutter (Carlos Rivas 84’), M Servando Carrasco (Richie Laryea 55’), Yoshimar Yotún, Antonio Nocerino (Cyle Larin 67’), Giles Barnes, F Dom Dwyer, ⓒ Kaká
Substitutes Not Used: GK Earl Edwards, Jr., D Rafael Ramos, Tommy Redding, M Dillon Powers
FC Dallas - GK Jesse Gonzalez, D Hernán Grana (Kellyn Acosta 61’), Atiba Harris, Matt Hedges, Maynor Figueroa, M Javier Morales, Carlos Gruezo, Tesho Akindele, ⓒ Mauro Díaz, Roland Lamah (Walker Zimmerman 71’), F Maximiliano Urruti (Michael Barrios 84’)
Substitutes Not Used: GK Chris Seitz, M Victor Ulloa, Ryan Hollingshead, F Cristian Colmán
Details of the Game:
Time: 4 p.m. ET
Weather: Clear
Date: Sept. 30, 2017
Attendance: 24,007
Stats:
Possession:
ORL - 45.6 %
DAL - 54.4 %
Shots:
ORL - 13
DAL - 10
Saves:
ORL - 5
DAL - 4
Fouls:
ORL - 10
DAL - 14
Corners:
ORL - 6
DAL - 3
