The Orlando City Soccer Club struck early last night and managed to hold on to a 1-0 win in Sands, Ut against Real Salt Lake.
The Orlando squad had been struggling on the road, but managed to score a goal in the 17′ of the contest when a Kaka free kick that was bent towards Orlando forward Jose Aja who headed the ball and hit the crossbar, The ball bounced straight down and was deflected slightly in to the box where Will Johnson was coming in to kick in a solid goal. It was Johnson’s second goal of the season.
Orlando City held on from there despite conceding over 60 percent possession. Bendik made just two saves, both on shots from distance, but came up huge when Luis Silva got in alone behind the back line. Bendik’s sixth clean sheet earned him his first career win over RSL.
This was Orlando’s sixth clean sheet of the season.
“I thought [Aja] was excellent. Really well-played game by him,” Kreis said. “He was in the right spot all the time for us to make critical defensive plays. Never got caught on the ball. He was superb.”
This match was Jason Kreis’ return to the club that he lead to the MLS championship in 2009. It was also Donny Toia and Luis Gil also return to face their former team.
The Lions return to Orlando City Stadium on Wednesday, July 5 to host Toronto FC. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. ET.
