ORLANDO, Fla. — Orlando City refused to back down against league leading LAFC, squad earning a 2-2 draw at home Saturday night.
For a moment early in the match, the air left Exploria Stadium. LAFC (15-5-6) attacked early just as expected, and after 12 minutes of constant pressure, the league leaders scored. A deflected ball gave Adrien Pérez a chance from close range, his shot pin-balling off of several players before hitting the back of the net.
But Orlando City (10-13-8) had a quick answer that came from the Lions’ captain. Nani secured a pass from Cristian Higuita directly off the restart and stormed headfirst toward the goal.