Crew SC’s first trip to Citrus Bowl was a dynamic Eastern Conference showdown. Gorgeous goals were scored, cards were issued and records were set in the Black & Gold’s 2-2 draw with Orlando City SC.
Justin Meram made his 100
th
career appearance both in Major League Soccer and for the Black & Gold. He became the 21
st
player to do so.
Another memorable moment was Tony Tchani scoring a picturesque header goal off of a perfect cross by Hector Jimenez in the sixth minute.
Overall, Sporting Director and Head Coach Gregg Berhalter was pleased with his team.
“What first comes to mind is that I’m proud of the guys for the way they fought and battled for each other,” said Berhalter. “To come out of here with the result, we couldn’t ask for any more. The determination that the guys showed was outstanding.”
Goalkeeper Steve Clark had a record-setting night, making seven saves—a career high for him. He agreed with his coach on his team’s performance, and said his team handled the red card well that was issued to Parkhurst early in the game.
“Watching those guys perform tonight, and the effort they gave, that was one of the most incredible performances I’ve ever been a part of as far as overall effort,” said Clark. “I thought it was amazing. I think this brought us all together. You saw before the red card, the way we were playing, what it does to teams. And then the effort, guys were just taking balls off their face.”
Crew SC played down a man for 74 minutes, but didn’t let off the gas. Kei Kamara netted a second half header to the back post that meant more than just a goal to the Black & Gold. It was his 10
th
goal this season, and he did it in 12 games—the fastest in club history. He continues to lead the league in goals and heart-shaped hand celebrations.
Orlando City’s fans reacted to Kamara’s goal celebration, and to almost every play, according to Crew SC.
“It was tense. The fans, bless their hearts they were great,” said Berhalter. “They’re going at it, we’re going at it, refs are going at it, players are going at it. It was quite an atmosphere.”
Once again, Clark supported his coach’s statement, and credited the Lions’ effort.
“It’s a difficult place to come. It’s really loud and their whipping in balls,” said Clark. “I got four guys on me on every cross it seemed like. They make it difficult on teams that come here. They’re a solid team.”
Orlando City SC created its chances, recording 24 shots on goal, and netting two of them. Kaká scored on a penalty kick that was presented after Parkhurst’s red card in the first half. The second goal came in the 89
th
minute on a bullet from Pedro Ribeiro.
The two teams have now exchanged playing a man down. But, Berhalter is looking forward to the next meeting already.
“I want to see us both together and play a football match where all eleven guys stay on the field and let’s see what happens,” Berhalter said. “I think that will be an entertaining soccer game.”
The two Eastern Conference clubs will get that chance when they meet again on August 1 back at the Citrus Bowl.
