Orlando City SC 2, Philadelphia Union 1 | 2017 MLS Match Recap

Mike Levitt

There's no place like home. And nobody knows it better than Cyle Larin.

Two games at Orlando City SC's new stadium have brought three goals for the Lion's dominant young striker. On Saturday, he netted a first-half tap in on a pinpoint low cross from strike-mate Carlos Rivas, and followed up with a 73rd minute winner on a feed from Matias Perez Garcia to give the home side a 2-1 win against the visiting Philadelphia Union. C.J. Sapong scored a close-range header for the visitors early in the second half to level the game for a short period prior to Larin's winner.

Orlando City could have enjoyed a healthier lead if not for Union goalkeeper Andre Blake, who showed great decisiveness coming off his line throughout the game. Philadelphia almost nipped a point at the death as Ilsinho's strike struck the bottom of the post and moments later Orlando City goalkeeper Joe Bendik saved a back door header from Alejandro Bedoya.

Kreis: "Versatility" the key to Larin's lethal start to 2017 season

Goals

39' – ORL – Cyle Larin WATCH
52' – PHI – CJ Sapong WATCH
73' – ORL – Larin WATCH

Three Things

NO KAKÁ, NO PROBLEM: If there were concerns about how Orlando's attack would fare when the face of the franchise went down 11 minutes into the season, they're gone now. On Saturday, the partnership between Larin and Rivas was off the charts. Larin was collected in front of goal and Rivas' runs off the ball and first touch throughout the night were perfect. With Perez Garcia playing provider – he fed Larin through for the game winner after a flick from Rivas– good things are on the horizon in Florida.
RECORD-BREAKING RUN: It's early, but Orlando are off to the best start in the franchise's short stint in MLS. The Lions sit tied for the lead in the Eastern Conference, albeit having played a game less than the rest. Dating back to last season, Orlando have won three straight home games for only the second time in franchise history.
LOOKING ON THE BRIGHT SIDE: The Union may have been dominated in the first half, and are winless in 10 straight, but they played Orlando even in the second half. Sapong netted his second of the season and the visitors were literally inches from another late equalizer (dating back to last week's 2-2 draw with Toronto).