Photo By Justin Glatt / Orlando Soccer Journal
Ercan Kara and Facundo Torres found the back of the net as the Designated Players led Orlando City to a 2-0 victory over the LA Galaxy on Saturday in front of an announced attendance of 22,519 at Exploria Stadium.
For the Lions, it was their first win at home since Feb. 25 to improve to 4-3-2 with 14 points in the season.
“We’re very grateful with the people that came here to push us and, and make us make us feel at home again despite the complexities at home with the results,” said coach Oscar Pareja after the game. “The boys showed one more time that they have such a character and tremendous spirit to overcome, so I’m very happy for the fans, [and] for the players.”
Kara scored his first goal of the regular season in the 38th minute after a run from Mikey Halliday connected with the striker who slipped the ball past Jonathan Klinsmann toward the near post.
Torres scored his second goal of the season, his first since Feb. 25, after a play started by Kara found Martin Ojeda who then picked the Uruguayan who was open on the right before slotting the ball past the keeper.
The win came at a very much needed time. The Lions entered the game against the Galaxy on a 3-game losing streak at home, which saw them concede 7 goals and score twice during that stretch.
Mauricio Pereyra and Duncan McGuire missed Saturday’s game because of lower-body injuries the pair suffered during last weekend’s game against D.C. United.
Luca Petrasso also missed the game against the Galxy. It was his second consecutive that the Canadian fullback missed because of a lower body injury.
Goalkeeper Pedro Gallese made club history by making the most appearances as goalkeeper with 93.
Up next, the Lions will travel to Canada to take on CF Montreal on Saturday at 7:30 p.m.
Scoring Summary
38′ – Ercan Kara, assisted by Mikey Halliday and Antonio Carlos (ORL)
57′ – Facundo Torres, assisted by Martin Ojeda and Ercan Kara (ORL)
How the Lions lined up
Orlando City XI: Pedro Gallese; Kyle Smith, Antonio Carlos, Robin Jansson (c), Mikey Halliday (Alex Freeman, 90+3′);; Cesar Araujo, Wilder Cartagena (Felipe, 86′), Ivan Angulo (Dagur Dan Thorhallsson, 79′), Martin Ojeda (Gaston Gonzalez, 79′), Facundo Torres; Ercan Kara (Ramiro Enrique, 86′).
Unused substitutes: Mason Stajduhar, Rafael Santos, Rodrigo Schlegel, Jack Lynn.
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