In the 34th minute of the match, Orlando City lined up for a corner kick. The ball soared through the air and bounced off the head of Servando Carrasco, into the back of the net.
The crowd erupted. That moment meant a lot to a man who gives his all for his team. As a defensive midfielder, he doesn’t often get the opportunity to score. But tonight, his impact was noticeable.
“We all have certain responsibilities on set pieces and Will played a fantastic ball and I was just in the right place,” Carrasco said. “It means a lot. It means a lot because we won the game. The fact that I scored is secondary, the fact that I contributed is the main thing.”
“He’s one of those players who does a lot for the team that, I think, goes unnoticed from the outside, unappreciated,” Jonathan Spector said after the match. “Servando is a great guy, he works hard, he’s committed, and is someone who is well-liked within this team.”
Head Coach Jason Kreis echoed that sentiment after the match.
“Servando[Carrasco] is a player that has worked extremely hard in the offseason, in the preseason, he proved to us that he was the fittest player on the team,” Kreis said. “Gives his team and his club and these fans his heart and soul. So, I’m absolutely ecstatic that he scores the goal that wins the game.”
Carrasco didn’t take all the credit. He noted his teammate, Will Johnson, who delivered a terrific ball into the 18-yard box. He also thanked the fans, who kept the players fighting in the dying minutes of the match.
The moment was also shared by another special person in Carrasco’s life. His wife (and Orlando Pride player) Alex Morgan congratulated him via text after the match. She’s traveling home tonight after appearing with the U.S Women’s National Team in Texas this past week.
Carrasco had a special moment tonight, and he was happy to be able to share it with his team and the fans. “I love this team, I love this city,” Carrasco said. “So, every time I step on that field, I’m gonna give you everything I have.”
