The Lions needed three points and did just enough to get them against a Sporting Kansas City side that saw much too much of the possession throughout the second half of the match. Orlando City got an early goal from Tesho Akindele — having the best season of his career — and was wasteful with a couple of other opportunities.

Eventually the game settled into one of transition and while Sporting held more of the ball, the Lions did well to keep the visitors from fashioning more than two or three decent chances on the night. Robin Jansson and Lamine Sané were good as usual, while fellow center backs Kamal Miller and Shane O’Neill performed admirably in the fullback spots. Throw in the hustle and hard work of Uri Rosell and Carlos Ascues to help shield the back four and you’ve got the Lions’ seventh shutout on the year.

It wasn’t the most exciting game, but if Orlando can continue to grind out results for eight more matches, the team could be a surprise participant in the MLS postseason. However, there is a lot more work for the lads to do before that is even a conversation.

We hope you enjoy these photos from a much-needed Orlando City win at Exploria Stadium.