Carlos Rivas Leads Orlando City to Shutout Win over Philadelphia

Match Recap

Orlando City SC’s hopes of making the playoffs were dashed two weeks ago, but that didn’t stop them from playing spoiler in Sunday’s matchup in Philadelphia. In their second-to-last game of the 2016 season, the Lions (8-11-14, 38 points) defeated the Philadelphia Union (11-13-9, 42 points) 2-0 at Talen Energy Stadium.

Scoring began in the 60th minute when City defender Seb Hines got off a strong clear with his head toward midfield. The Union’s Fabinho hesitated and misplayed the ball, giving Carlos Rivas an opportunity to take the ball and speed past Keegan Rosenberry. Rivas found himself in a one-on-one situation with Union goalkeeper Andre Blake, where Rivas then took a touch that appeared to be too heavy but was just enough, as the ball went past a falling Blake and forced Rosenberry to attempt a clear that resulted in an own goal.

Beginning in the 66th minute, City goalkeeper Joe Bendik faced several on-goal attempts. It began when Fabinho chipped a short cross in to C.J. Sapong, who headed the ball just to the left of a falling Bendik. In the 67th minute, an errant header by Antonio Nocerino allowed Chris Pontius to get a challenged header toward Bendik’s goal, but a diving effort by the first-year Lion held the Orlando City lead at 1-0.

67′ BENDIK! Punches the ball off of the line to keep the Union scoreless. Clutch. #JoeKnows #PHIvORL | 0-1 pic.twitter.com/7kwnCrXIbz

— Orlando City SC (@OrlandoCitySC) October 16, 2016

Then it was Blake’s turn to record a couple of spectacular saves.

In the 79th minute, it appeared as if the Lions could put the game away when Rivas sent a perfectly placed ball over the top to Matías Pérez García. The Argentinian dug himself all the way inside the Union’s box, cut back and shot it from the right to the upper left corner. Blake was there with a diving save to keep the score at 1-0 still.

Rafael Ramos came right back in the 82nd minute with a shot that curved toward the upper right corner. That forced Blake to make a second-consecutive diving save with this effort having the Jamaican goalkeeper slam into the right post.

82′ What a ball by Ramos. Curls in and Blake gets a hand on it. City nearly finds goal number two.#PHIvORL | 0-1 pic.twitter.com/FwehMpauz4

— Orlando City SC (@OrlandoCitySC) October 16, 2016

Late-match substitute Júlio Baptista sealed the victory with a 95th-minute goal.

 Man of the Match: Carlos Rivas

Rivas was responsible for two on-goal opportunities with one resulting in a score. His speed allowed him to take advantage of a slight defensive misstep and hesitation by Fabinho and allowed him to break away from Rosenberry in the attacking final third for the game’s first goal of the match. He finished with 81 minutes of play and four shots (one on goal). The Colombian also suffered a game-high four fouls.

What’s next?

Orlando City will play D.C. United for the team’s final game at Camping World Stadium before moving to a soccer-specific stadium for the 2017 season.

Scoring

Statistics and Startling Lineups

Philadelphia Union starting XI (4-5-1): Andre Blake (GK); Keegan Rosenberry, Ken Tribbett, Richie Marquez, Fabinho; Alejandro Bedoya, Brian Carroll, Fabian Herbers, Tranquillo Barnetta, Chris Pontius; C.J. Sapong

Orlando City SC starting XI (4-2-2-2): Joe Bendik (GK); Mikey Ambrose, Seb Hines, José Aja, Rafael Ramos; Cristian Higuita, Antonio Nocerino; Ricardo Kaká (C), Matías Pérez García; Carlos Rivas, Cyle Larin