The homegrown goalkeeper becomes a Leagues Cup hero in a shootout victory for Orlando City SC against Atletico de San Luis.
Orlando City SC went into their Leagues Cup match against Atletico de San Luis talking up starting keeper Maxime Crepeau. He had saved 24 of 30 shots in six matches since covering for Canada in the FIFA World Cup.
He was credited with eight saves against Leon and keeping the Lions in that Leagues Cup match. But he started this game on the bench.
Most of the talk then turned to expectations for players, including Tyrese Spicer, who is on a goal-contribution tear. He has assembled four straight matches with contributions.
Spicer didn’t tally one in the effort against San Luis. But Daryl Dike and Justin Ellis registered goals in the 31st and 69th minutes, with Tiago posting an assist on the latter score.
The Dike goal rang loudly. It’s his first one of the year and the 20th for Orlando across all competitions. That puts him just one away from a tie for 20th all-time for the team with former Lion Tesho Akindele.
The problem arose when Sebastian Perez Bouquet started the scoring for San Luis in the 79th minute. Then, in stoppage time, David Rodriguez earned the equalizer. That set the teams up for the penalty kick shootout.
The Lions converted all five of theirs. But they weren’t safe just yet. Leon converted their first four shots.
Then, Leon left center back Aldo Cruz wound up from distance and sent his left-footed shot directly at the goal. Javier Otero saved it.
Adrian Marin banked the fifth Orlando shot. The Lions claimed the point for the win.
Otero has earned strong marks in scouts’ reports as he has accumulated nine clean sheets in his previous 52 appearances across all competitions. He’s exhibited efficient communication with his teammates, strong hands, and excellent judgment of trajectory.
All Orlando City SC needs is for their players to keep communicating, growing, and winning.
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