P osted by

Harjeet Johal ,

July 17, 2016 Twitter

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VANCOUVER, B.C - It was certainly a mismatch on paper, but Orlando City SC fought hard to earn a 2-2 draw on the road against Vancouver Whitecaps FC. The back and forth match featured goals from Julio Baptista, Nicolas Mezquida, Masato Kudo, and the equalizer from Canadian international Cyle Larin in the 50' minute. A crowd of 22,120 spectators saw an exciting with each side earning a point after key late saves from both keepers. The Whitecaps improve to 8-8-5, while Orlando holds a record of 4-5-10. Following the match Carl Robinson was happy his team earned a point, but not with his teams play. "I think we have to be happy to take a point because we didn’t play very well. We didn’t impose ourselves the way we did, or have done this season at times. When you don’t play well, I don’t think we played particularly well, I think it’s important to get something out of the game. So, we will take the point." A depleted Orlando City SC squad earned what could potentially be a valuable point as they hope to climb back into the MLS Eastern Conference playoff race. Interim Coach Bobby Murphy was pleased. "I'm really proud of them, it’s been a long week, you know with the game last weekend and off to New York, and then straight here, the travel is difficult. I think what I saw for the first time in my three games in charge is the closest thing to a complete team performance that we’ve had. I'm disappointed in the moments, the first goal we had three chances to clear it and we didn’t. We wanted to play our way out of stuff and it cost us. If they were going to quit, they would have quit when they were down 2-1 and they didn’t, they came back and they did well. I'm really thrilled for them, because it’s been a long week and to come out of here with a point, two hours ago we would have snatched somebody’s hand off if they offered it to us, we’ll take it and move on to whatever’s next." Murphy was especially thrilled to see how well his top striker, Cyle Larin did as he returned to a stadium where he is comfortable, and to a city where the air is clean and refreshing for the proud Canada. "It’s so important for Cyle to come back here, he’s so proud of representing Canada and being Canadian and I think anytime he gets a chance to come back here and play in front of his countrymen, and the national team plays here a lot, it’s an important moment for him. I think sometimes you want to do so well that you end up suffering from it a little bit, and I think as the game went on he got better and better and you know it’s two big boys going at it, I wouldn't want to get in the middle of them. I'm just happy for Cyle that he got a goal, he stepped off the plane the other night and said the air is so much better here, you know just being Canadian and I'm happy for him." The Brampton, Ontario native talked about how thrilled he was to score an actual goal that did not take a crazy bounce and deflection before finding the net. Canadian supporters will recall how Larin scored against Honduras in 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifying earlier this campaign. "It felt good to score. I wanted to score really bad. My first goal in this stadium was actually against Honduras but that was off my back. This was an actual goal. I think we played well tonight. I think we deserved to win. That was the best soccer we’ve played all season." The Opening 45

It was a surprise start to the match as Orlando City SC took control and mounted early pressure on Vancouver. The visitors who travelled from New Jersey on Thursday night had the Whitecaps on the defense and they pressed forward. Orlando took the lead in the 14' minute after a howler from Whitecaps keeper David Ousted. Full-back Luke Boden got around Vancouver right-back Jordan Smith and setup Julio Baptista. The former Real Madrid man calmly fired on target, the ball deflected off of Matias Laba and bounced of Ousted's leg and went between his legs and into the net. It was not the best showing for the Whitecaps back-four or goalkeeper, but Orlando didn't care as it was their first MLS road goal since May 29. Bobby Murphy's Orlando City side were all over the Whitecaps and easily could have been up by a pair of goals. Not only did Vancouver struggle at the back, but stringing together a complete pass also proved to be a difficult task. Out of nowhere the Whitecaps changed the script of the match and found an equalizer in the 35' minute. Christian Bolanos put in a shift and found Masato Kudo in the box. The Japanese striker had his shot saved by Bendik. The rebound found a wide open Nicolas Mezquida. The Uruguayan midfielder converted an uncontested free header into the vacated net to tie the match 1-1. The Whitecaps seemed to flip a switch because they clearly had woken up and turned on the heat. Just before halftime, Vancouver would take a 2-1 lead in the 43' minute. Pedro Morales delivered a sublime free kick to the far back post. Masato Kudo was all by himself as he sent another uncontested header into the Orlando net. Joe Bendik was left on his own as Vancouver capitalized on poor man-marking. Heading into the interval it took a little bit of time for Vancouver to get going, but they turned up when it counted. The Orlando defense wasn't under too much pressure, but they collapsed after signs of attack. Orlando carried a 56% - 44% possession advantage, but would look to re-group after two shock goals. Great to see @masatokudo9 back scoring! @David_Ousted making another superb reaction stop towards the end to earn the pt #VWFC #WhitecapsFC — Ben Bray (@BenBray99) July 17, 2016 For 60 mins #VWFC lucky to be 2-2, 2 goals against run of play kept them in it. Then Techera for Laba and 30 mins they were the better side. — Angus Walker (@anguswalker) July 17, 2016

The Second Half

The back and forth affair continued in the second half as it was Orlando's turn to convert on an uncontested open header. Canadian, Cyle Larin scored his team leading 9th goal of the season as he easily out leaped left-back Jordan Harvey at the far back post. Midfielder Kevin Molino had all sorts of time and space to deliver the cross into the box and pick out Larin. Vancouver right-back Jordan Smith conceded a penalty in the 59' minute. Smith got turned around and stuck his foot in between the legs of Julio Baptista. The Brazilian took a tumble and referee Hilaro Grajeda pointed to the spot. Baptista stepped up and promptly missed the frame of the net, not even coming close to challenging David Ousted. The Whitecaps caught a break with the horrid penalty miss. On the other side of the pitch, Whitecaps fans wanted a penalty call of their own in the 63' minute as Kendall Waston was pulled down by Orlando City skipper Seb Hines. Grajeda took his time in deciding, but went against awarding Vancouver a penalty. The match remained deadlocked at 2-2 and Carl Robinson went to his bench and brought on Cristian Techera for Matias Laba. 15 year-old Alphonso Davies made his MLS debut for the Whitecaps, one day after signing his first professional contract. Davies received a loud cheer from the crowd upon entering the match in the 77' minute. The Whitecaps midfielder held his own and talked about what it was like to make his debut. "It was a great experience. As you know, it’s not my first time to play with the team. It was my first time in an MLS game against a good MLS opponent. They really showed that they’re a great team. It was a really good experience for me." Carl Robinson was glad to be able to give Davies a few minutes of action, but cautioned that it's not appropriate to put much pressure on the young lad at an early age. He might be a fan favourite off the hop, but it's important to remember that he is still a 15 year-old footballer playing against grown men. "He was great. He brought a little bit of energy. As a coach, you sometimes have decisions to make. Three games in a week is hard. I think we saw that today in certain personnel, because they put a great amount of work in, but the athleticism, the dynamic side of it, sometimes isn't there when you play consistently for 90 minutes, three times a week. It can be done, some players can do it. Jordan Harvey, great energy. Other players struggled a little bit. So, Alphonso coming in provided a great spark, obviously he was brought on to try and affect the attacking end of the pitch and he did that. But let’s not get carried away." As both teams looked to score a third and perhaps decisive goal, the match opened up with plenty of chances for both teams to convert. Joe Bendik and David Ousted were both sharp as neither goalkeeper wanted to conceded a possible match winner. The best save came from Ousted as made an unbelievable one-handed save off of Kevin Matoes in the 87' minute off an Orlando corner and Antonio Nocerino setup. Each team picked up a crucial point and the fans of BC Place were treated to an entertaining match. Orlando could have easily come to Vancouver and parked the bus, but they decided to play football and go for a win. Vancouver will no doubt see this match as two points lost in front of the home crowd. Man of the Match HT: @masatokudo9's flying header has @WhitecapsFC in front. #VANvORL https://t.co/qXKRBtf9VS — Major League Soccer (@MLS) July 17, 2016

Masato Kudo

Kudo is already showing his effectiveness in just his second match for Vancouver after fracturing his jaw vs Chicago Fire on May 11. Kudo was able to create open space for himself and convert a beautiful open header for his second MLS goal. Vancouver has an open designated player spot and a need for a striker, if Kudo can continue his form and excellent work rate. He could be the striker and goal-scoring option that the Whitecaps and fans have been looking for. Who was your Whitecaps Man of the Match?

Vancouver Whitecaps Starting XI: David Ousted; Jordan Smith, Kendall Waston, Tim Parker, Jordan Harvey; Andrew Jacobson, Matias Laba 63 (Cristian Techera); Christian Bolaños, Nicolas Mezquida 77 (Alphonso Davies), Pedro Morales(C); Masato Kudo 83 (Erik Hurtado). 4-2-3-1. Orlando City Starting XI: Joe Bendik; Luke Boden, David Mateos, Sebastian Hines(C), Kevin Alston; Servando Carrasco, Darwin Ceren; Kevin Molino, Julio Baptista 79 (Cristian Higuita), Hadji Barry 84 (Antonio Nocerino); Cyle Larin. 4-2-3-1 Notes: Whitecaps FC goalkeeper David Ousted earned his 102 consecutive MLS start for Vancouver.