DC United returned to action on Saturday night to host Orlando City. The host suffered a setback in the US Open Cup after losing their fixture on penalties. However, they bounced back with a heroic 4-4 draw against the Red Bull New York with a man-of-the-match performance by Tai Baribo. The result helped the team gain back some momentum, but aware that Orlando City had done their part on their end as well. With both teams looking to keep their momentum going, it came down to which team would handle the pressure better. It’s safe to say that the game truly lived up to the expectations.

A game to remember

The hosts began the game in automatic control. Orlando City couldnt really settle on the field for the first 10 minutes of the game. From misplaced passes to unforced turnovers, Orlando City allowed DC to play their game inside their own half. Jackson Hopkins managed to find space with his physicality to score the goal that gave DC United the lead. Given the unforced mistakes by Orlando City through the first 45 minutes, the hosts could have sealed the win by scoring at least 2 more goals. Unfortunately, DC United also made mistakes in transition that diminished some of the best goal-scoring chances in the first half.

Orlando City was able to hold off on DC United with only a one-goal difference until halftime. It was enough to regroup and change the game plan for the second half. Jared Strout was involved in two game-changing plays for DC United, but they were not properly executed in comparison to the buildup. Orlando City took advantage of a moment of brilliance by Ivan Angulo on the wing. He managed to place his cross inside the box. Sean Johnson managed to keep out the first header, but Justin Ellis was at the right place and at the right time to tap it in and equalize the game for Orlando City.

The visitors managed to get back in the game rather quickly, and the staff made sure that they kept the momentum going. Tyrese Spicer came from the bench for Orlando and completely shifted the game in their favor. His speed and movement in spaces gave Orlando a second push of energy. Spicer needed 8 minutes to leave his mark on the game. His powerful strike in the 68th minute set the tone for the remainder of the game. The chemistry he created with Justin Ellis was enough to create multiple chances to push DC United to their own half. But just like DC didn’t capitalize on their chances when they had the advantage, Elias was unable to capitalize on the play that could have sealed the game by the 73rd minute. It was enough to give DC  a second chance for a comeback.

Louis Mountanu took a leap of faith in the 84th minute with a shot from distance. Dramatically, the shot took a deflection and found the equalizing goal for DC United. The host had the final drive of the match and found spaces for Jared Strout to create danger on the wings. Nevertheless, it was the man who came from the bench who would give DC United the dramatic win in practically the last kick of the game. Kye Rows came from behind after a header placed the ball back into Orlando’s box. The winning goal came from a last-minute attempt, enough to give DC a key victory at home to continue the positive momentum. 

The team now focuses on the fixture against New York City FC on May 3rd. They will be looking to snatch more points from the ‘Big Apple.’ DC will arrive with a slight advantage, as they will no longer have a game midweek in comparison to New York City. Nevertheless, the fixture will definitely be a tricky one. But if they’re able to assess the mistakes that took place against Orlando City, we can be looking at back-to-back wins.