Orlando City was dealt its share of adversity. But the Lions kept their Playoff hopes alive and defeated Montreal Impact 2-1 at the Citrus Bowl.
Orlando City was dealt blow after blow this season. It was dealt blow after blow in the game against Montreal — a monumental game where Orlando City needed a win to keep the slim Playoff hopes alive.
Just 11 minutes into the game Tommy Redding and Rafael Ramos collided. Ramos was bleeding onto the pitch. Redding was ultimately diagnosed with a concussion.
And in this game where the result would determine the Lions’ season, they were down two starters with almost the entire game to play.
They pushed through.
They pushed through again when Dominic Oduro kicked the ball out of Tally Hall’s hands to equalize in the first half. They pushed through as Seb Hines broke the tie, volleying in a cross into the back of the net, freezing Montreal goalkeeper Evan Bush.
Orlando City is still very much alive. And the team is very much so through its own efforts.
The Lions had 12 shots, taking the most of their possession. Cyle Larin scored in the first half first on a turnover he shot past Bush, who deflected it but could not stop it from getting into the net.
Things were going right for Orlando City, it seemed after that injury. Or mostly right.
The officials played a role as they have done so it seems every game for Orlando City. The goal Hall conceded could have easily been called dead when Hall stopped a cross into the box and Oduro kicked it free and into the net. There were also yellow cards handed out to Kaka and Brek Shea which will leave them suspended for next Friday’s home finale.
The win came with a price for sure. But one Orlando City needed to be willing to pay to stand up for itself and to get the crucial three points.
The Lions have played well now with their backs against the wall. They are pushing and trying to accomplish the goal that would “defy expectations.”
