Orlando City: 3 Key Takeaways from the Philadelphia Union match

Rebounding from the loss of Kaka and a postponed matchday two trip to New England, Orlando City have a lot of positives from the home result.

Not having to travel yet in the 2017 campaign Orlando City has enjoyed the embrace of their new purple home. A Philadelphia Union side came to town after having nearly taken three points from Toronto FC in week 2.

Here are three lessons learned from the men in purple yesterday:

1. Larin leads the line

Cyle doesn’t show any signs of slowing down from his rookie and sophomore campaigns. Now with three goals in two matches, he is an early contender for the 2017 Golden Boot.

At the club’s only goal scorer thus far this season, his form dictates how far up the Eastern Conference table they can push. With or without Kaka in the lineup, Larin is the player on whom the playoffs rest.

Mar 18, 2017; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando City SC forward Cyle Larin (9) dribbles before scoring a goal against Philadelphia Union during the second half at Orlando City Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Stamey-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Finding leaders in Kaka’s absence

The delay in the Revolution game helped the club avoid a match without the legend. However, after seeing these two displays, they may have been able to pickup another three points even without him.

In addition to Larin, several other players have been stepping up while he is out for a few more weeks. Bendik has been in great form as the new keeper, while Jonathan Spector is a commanding force on the backline – much needed after the last two seasons.

3. Home Advantage

Even with the old home able to pack in large numbers, the new Orlando City Stadium is starting off just as fans, players and the owners would have hoped. A second straight sell out, the Lions remained perfect at home in front of the impressive Purple Wall.

The next home game sees City welcome the New York Red Bulls on April 9, and a national audience on ESPN. It will be Orlando’s chance to solidify their spot among the best in the East.

Here are the match highlights from MLS:

Next: Minnesota United Get First Result of the Season Against Colorado

Next week Orlando gets another rest due to the FIFA international break. They will return to action on Saturday April 1, traveling to Columbus to take on the Crew at 4:00 pm ET.

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