Union beat Orlando City, move into first
Tranquillo Barnetta said the key was the wall, although the shot wasn't too bad, either. Barnetta's free kick from 25 yards out in the 90th minute Friday gave the Union a 2-1 MLS win over Orlando City before 15,011 at Talen Energy Stadium.
Tranquillo Barnetta said the key was the wall, although the shot wasn't too bad, either.
Barnetta's free kick from 25 yards out in the 90th minute Friday gave the Union a 2-1 MLS win over Orlando City before 15,011 at Talen Energy Stadium.
The shot hit inside the upper right cross bar and bounced in. The Union had set up their wall behind Orlando City's in an offside position, but then the players ran onside.
Orlando City keeper Joe Bendik, who made several big saves, barely moved on the shot.
"He was not comfortable, he couldn't see the ball and I was happy to take it and happy to score like this," said Barnetta, who was inserted in the 63rd minute and was playing in only his second game after missing the first three with tendinitis in his knee.
The free kick was set up when C.J. Sapong drew a foul.
The Union (3-2) moved into first place in the Eastern Conference with nine points. Orlando City fell to 2-1-2.
This is the first time since 2011 that the Union have won their first two home games. They opened their home schedule with a 3-0 win over New England on March 20.
Shortly after the goal, Union keeper Andre Blake preserved the win by making a spectacular diving save on a 10-yard volley by Adrian Winter in stoppage time.
"A cross was coming in and thankfully I was in a good spot," Blake said. "Goalkeeping is about time and space and being in the right place at the right time and I was able to make the save."
Blake had hurt his left wrist colliding with teammate Ken Tribbett in the 62nd minute. "I should be fine," Blake said.
The Union opened the scoring in the second minute.
Union defender Keegan Rosenberry sent a cross on goal that the Orlando defense failed to clear. Following the play, Sapong, crashed the goal and tapped in the loose ball for his third goal of the season.
Orlando City tied the score in the 43rd minute when Winter took a pass from Kevin Molino and tapped a ball past Rosenberry. Before Rosenberry could recover, Winter fired from the center of the box past Blake for his second goal.
Union midfielder Ilsinho, who has been among the team's most productive players, didn't play because of a left hamstring injury. He is listed as day to day.
Orlando City was without defender Brek Shea (suspended) dangerous forward Cyle Larin (hamstring), defender Tommy Redding (concussion protocol), and midfielder Cristian Higuita (groin).
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