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A first Major League Soccer win over Philadelphia Union, our first victory in six and Joe Bendik‘s fifth clean sheet of the season.

Yesterday’s 0-2 win was all Orlando City SC supporters could’ve asked for in our final road game of 2016 after our MLS Cup playoff qualification hopes were extinguished against Montreal Impact in Game 32.

Jason Kreis would’ve been pleased by the professionalism displayed by Orlando City SC at Talen Energy Stadium yesterday afternoon with the Lions taking advantage of a nervy looking Union side.

In a case of no pressure being on City while Jim Curtin’s Philadelphia Union looked shackled by the tension of staying above the red line, Orlando City SC‘s defensive showing was particularly pleasing.

With City’s defence having looked weak all season, the partnership of José Aja and Seb Hines performed well yesterday, comfortably dealing with C.J. Sapong who was bullied out of most duels.

An even game, Orlando City SC struck a huge blow just before the hour mark as a standout performance for Carlos Rivas was marked by the Colombian racing clear on Andre Blake’s goal one-on-one before eventually prodding it home, via Keegan Rosenberry.

Union were troubled by Rivas’ pace for most of the game and despite rallying at 0-1 down with Joe Bendik pressed into some good, if not spectacular saves, the game was finally put of of their reach in stoppage time.

Racing clear via a deflected Orlando City SC through ball, substitute Julio Baptista beat the offside trap to face Blake one-on-one before slotting it home despite the Jamaican international’s best efforts.

Finishing on the road in the best way possible with several players impressing with their futures in question, Orlando City SC will hope to sign off in style against D.C. United when bidding goodbye to the Camping World Stadium era on Sunday October 23rd.

Philadelphia Union 0 Orlando City SC 2 – Highlights – October 16, 2016 (Credit: Major League Soccer)

Philadelphia Union vs Orlando City SC, 16.10.2016
Talen Energy Stadium, Chester, Pennsylvania
Major League Soccer
Gameweek 33

Joe Bendik | 8/10
Rafael Ramos | 7/10
José Aja | 7/10
Seb Hines | 8/10
Mikey Ambrose | 7/10
Antonio Nocerino | 7/10
Cristian Higuita | 7/10
Matías Pérez García | 8/10
Kaká | 8/10
Cyle Larin | 7/10
Carlos Rivas | 8/10

SUBS

Julio Baptista | 7/10
Kevin Molino | 5/10
Servando Carrasco | 4/10