Orlando City SC took the three points against Toronto FC in one of the most dramatic ways, as Kaka scored the winning goal from the penalty spot on the 100-minute mark.
With the win, Orlando has now surpassed tonight's opponents by one point in the MLS Eastern Conference table, having tallied 20 points while Toronto is at 19 points.
On the other hand, Toronto must feel disappointed for themselves for having let a possible point slip from their own hands, considering how late the goal came.
Orlando SC should have scored more
Aware of the three important points that this fixture offered, both Orlando and Toronto began the match cautiously, studying each other while evaluating where best to exploit their opponent.
Yet, the deadlock was immediately broken after five minutes, courtesy of Cyle Larin. Benoit Cheyrou's long pass towards Sebastian Giovinco was intercepted by Tommy Redding who broke quickly for the home side. Kevin Molino did not think twice and whipped in a low cross from the left flank, which found Larin, who made it 1-0.
Orlando kept bossing the game while the Canadian side was struggling to adjust its rhythm to the match, as they were constantly bombarded by the home side's aggressive approach. Greg Vanney's side surely felt Michael Bradley's absence in the midfield, as he is the man who usually dictates the tempo and also acts as a bridge between the backline and the frontline.
Tsubasa Endoh went close to leveling the scoreline in the 20th minute, but his effort was deflected out for a corner by Orlando's backline. On the half hour mark, talisman Giovinco tried his luck from a free kick but his shot ended up harmlessly in Joe Bendik's hands.
Just before the interval, Orlando had three big time chances where they could have doubled the lead. First, it was captain Kaka whose shot was wonderfully parried by Clint Irwin who had to extend his fingertips in order to deflect the shot. A few minutes later, Larin hit the woodwork with a sumptuous shot while moments later, Kaka had a curling effort which went wide of Irwin's post.
A 100th-minute penalty gives the win to Orlando
The second 45 minutes had a brighter start from the previous half, as Jordan Hamilton was quick in leveling terms for Toronto. It was the latter who started everything as he sliced the ball towards Endoh on the left flank. The Japanese connected well with Justin Morrow who directed the ball towards Jonathan Osorio. With a delightful flick, Osorio set Hamilton in front of Bendik, with the youngster finishing in a composed way.
Just past the hour mark, Giovinco danced past Orlando's defenders before firing a shot from outside the box without hitting the target. Orlando went close once again through Kaka, but his free kick only hit the side-netting.
In the meantime, Toronto gave a debut to rookie keeper Alex Bono who replaced the injured Irwin late in the second half. At the first time of asking, Bono conceded his first goal in the league, when Adrian Winter had the easiest of finishes following defensive confusion in the box.
Things started to go Orlando's way, until Justin Morrow tapped in from a Giovinco's cross, helping his side to level terms for the second time in this match,
Yet, Lady Luck seemed to have abandoned Toronto during the extra time, as Orlando were given a penalty kick in the 100th minute after Drew Moor clumsily pulled down Julio Baptista. The referee's decision naturally created controversy, which led to Josh Williams' expulsion as well. Captain Kaka converted from the penalty spot, to earn the three points for the home side.
Up next for both sides
Orlando will be back in action on 5th July against FC Dallas, looking to extend their winning streak following tonight's win, in order to remain in the running for a good finish in the Eastern Conference.
On the other hand, Toronto will be hosting the Seattle Sounders next weekend, eyeing maximum points from this encounter in order to return to winning ways as soon as possible.