Orlando City put together maybe its most defining win of the season so far on Saturday night, knocking off D.C. United 2-1 on Daryl Dike’s dramatic 97th-minute winner.Â
But the Lions were in that position due to the heroic efforts of center back Robin Jansson, who rose to the occasion on both ends of the pitch to earn the fans’ vote for Heineken Man of the Match.
Jansson was his typical stellar self defensively. The Swede bottled up Audi MLS Golden Boot leader Ola Kamara all night, holding the prolific striker without a single shot. Jansson completed 87% of his passes while chipping in three interceptions, five ball recoveries and a blocked shot.
Jansson also provided perhaps the game’s best highlight before the late winner, leaping into a bicycle kick to prevent a D.C. corner. The assistant referee ruled the ball over the line, but we’re not so sure...
But it was on the attacking end where Jansson truly stole the show. A Mauricio Pereyra corner kick in the 17th minute found the head of Júnior Urso, who sent a strike on target that was saved by D.C. keeper Bill Hamid. Jansson, however, was in perfect position to grab the rebound, slamming it into the top of the net to tie the game.
The goal was Jansson’s second in his last two home matches and was the seventh goal scored by an Orlando City defender since July 30.
