Orlando City SC were brought back down to earth with a bump when Seattle Sounders outclassed, outfought and out-thought Jason Kreis‘ men in a 1-3 victory on Sunday night.

The Lions’ FIRST home loss in just over a year having gone 17 games unbeaten since New York Red Bulls won 0-2 back on July 19th, 2015, Sounders were worthy winners.

And it had all started so well for Orlando City SC who took the lead against the run of play through a fantastic Seb Hines header on seven minutes, connecting unchallenged off a Kaká corner.

However, the sloppy defensive work that has blighted our entire campaign came back to haunt the Lions yet again as Clint Dempsey tied the game far too easily just seven minutes later.

Simply a tap in off a Tyrone Mears centre, the U.S. Men’s National Team star was only getting warmed up.

Going on to complete a hat-trick through two identical plays assisted by the impressive Jordan Morris, Joe Bendik was unfortunately hung out to dry by a City defence who looked vulnerable every time Brian Schmetzer’s team attacked.

On the night, new Seattle Sounders DP Nicolás Lodeiro was absolutely majestic, toying with the Lions’ back four as he continually assisted both Clint Dempsey and Jordan Morris with ease.

In a game whereby few Orlando City SC players performed to the level required, Antonio Nocerino did at least battle well in what appears to be a fresh lease of life under the new management of Jason Kreis.

There was a positive second-half cameo from new boy Matías Pérez García who tried to get the Lions on the front foot but Kevin Molino‘s absence through a hamstring strain proved costly.

In truth, Orlando City SC could’ve turned the tide on 70 minutes when a delicious Kaká free-kick was met by Julio Baptista who hit the bar followed by a Zach Scott goal-line clearance.

However, it was at this moment that Lions supporters just knew it wasn’t going to be their night.

In all honesty, Sounders should have won the game by a greater margin with second-half substitute Nelson Valdez somehow managing to hit the post twice when it looked easier to score late on.

The loss leaves Jason Kreis‘ Lions below the MLS play-off qualification line in seventh place (26 points) but tied with New England Revolution on the same tally with a game in hand.

From here, a huge game against Eastern Conference basement boys Chicago Fire comes next with Orlando City SC desperately seeking some consistency in their results.

Orlando City SC 1 Seattle Sounders 3 – Highlights – August 7, 2016 (Credit: Seattle Sounders FC)

Orlando City SC vs Seattle Sounders, 07.08.2016
Camping World Stadium, Orlando, Florida
Major League Soccer
Gameweek 22

Joe Bendik | 7/10
Kevin Alston | 5/10
Seb Hines | 4/10
David Mateos | 4/10
Luke Boden | 5/10
Antonio Nocerino | 7/10
Servando Carrasco | 5/10
Hadji Barry | 5/10
Kaká | 7/10
Brek Shea | 5/10
Cyle Larin | 5/10

SUBS

Matías Pérez García | 7/10
Julio Baptista | 6/10
Carlos Rivas | 4/10