Orlando City SC (10-13-8, 38 points) turned in an entertaining five-goal performance at Red Bull Arena Friday night as the Lions secured a confident 5-2 victory over Eastern Conference leading New York Red Bulls (14-9-6, 48 points), marking Orlando’s third consecutive win.
Forward Cyle Larin recorded his second hat-trick of the season to extend his tally to 14, breaking Damani Ralph’s single-season scoring record for a rookie (11), as playmaker Kaká and winger Carlos Rivas also displayed impressive performances, notching two assists each.
The match featured a high-paced tempo from the opening whistle, but Orlando would stun the home crowd in the 24th minute when Larin broke the record - heading Kaká’s corner to the near-post into the back of the net.
New York equalized five minutes later from Central Florida product Dax McCarty’s diving header, but midfielder Carlos Rivas would make an immediate impact on the game after being brought on in the 33rd minute. He was subbed for Seb Hines, who suffered an injury.
Shortly after being introduced, Rivas propelled City to the lead once again, finding Larin for a clinical finish with a well-timed ball into the box one minute before halftime.
The Lions’ strong play continued 37 seconds into the second 45 when another threatening cross from Rivas forced an own goal from New York center-back Damien Perrinelle as he was attempting to prevent it from reaching Larin.
Lloyd Sam revitalized hope for the Red Bulls when he brought his team within one in the 57th minute, however another efficient counter-attack from City saw Larin blast Rivas’ second assist of the game into the roof of the net just four minutes later.
Kaka, who was instrumental throughout the entire match for City, set up second half substitute Bryan Róchez for his third goal in as many games during a clever one-two play, capping off a complete performance for the Lions as they continue to chase the final playoff berth in the East.
“It gives us an opportunity to stay in the race and that’s what we’ve wanted to do. We’ve had two difficult away games (Chicago and New York) and it’s been a magnificent effort from all of the players,” said Heath “I’m delighted for every single one of them and for our supporters who traveled here today. I expect us to get a fantastic crowd next Saturday against Montreal, and we hope to try to keep it alive again for another week.”