Orlando City SC's new fortress continues to prove impenetrable.
Cyle Larin scored a dramatic game-winner in stoppage time to lead Orlando to a thrilling 2-1 win over the LA Galaxy on Saturday afternoon, as the Lions tallied their fourth straight win at Orlando City Stadium since it opened earlier this year.
Larin's goal came on the heels of Romain Alessandrini’s impressive 83rd-minute equalizer that looked like it might be enough for the Galaxy to steal a road point.
Will Johnson also scored for Orlando City (4-1-0 overall), who vaulted into first place in the Eastern Conference with the win.
Goals
Three Things
HOME, SWEET HOME
: How much of a home-field advantage is it playing at Orlando City Stadium? The Lions just became the first team in MLS history to open a stadium with four straight wins, thanks to Larin’s clutch winner. And, in many ways, Orlando was unlucky not to even score more as they struck a few posts in the first half and saw a
Giles Barnes
second-half breakaway attempt thwarted on a brave save from Galaxy goalkeeper
Clement Diop
. The Lions still have to prove they can pick up points on the road, but right now they’re certainly looking like one of the top teams in the East — thanks, in large part, to the incredible atmosphere at their new home.
LARIN DOES IT AGAIN: Is Larin the best striker in MLS? The conversation was already being had before Saturday’s game and scoring third game-winning goal of the season on a beautiful volley will do little to change that. Johnson, too, deserves, plenty of props for setting up Larin with a well-placed corner kick after opening the scoring with a very impressive strike over Diop.
SPUTTERING GALAXY: For a few minutes in the second half, the Galaxy put a lot of pressure on Orlando, capped by Alessandrini’s fourth goal of the season. But for most of the game, the Galaxy were back on their heels as they dropped to 2-4-0 on the season as they continue to find their way under first-year head coach Curt Onalfo. But while there are still plenty of questions they need to answer, it does seem clear that Alessandrini is on his way to becoming the franchise’s next big star.
Next Up
- ORL: Sunday, April 23 at New York City FC (1:30 pm ET | FS1)
- LA: Sunday, April 23 vs. Seattle Sounders FC (4 pm ET | ESPN)
