It might be the toughest pass in soccer. Beyond the hallway line, from left to right and over the defense. Less than a minute into Saturday’s match against San Jose, Yoshi Yotún delivered that pass with pinpoint accuracy, finding Chris Mueller for the fastest goal in Orlando City history.
30 minutes later, Yotún set up another goal with a 30 yard pass using the outside of his boot. Again, he made it look easy.
In his second MLS season, Yotún has tallied 4 assists in just 7 games, already equaling his total from 2017 in three fewer appearances.
Yotún arrived as a designated player from the Swedish champion, Malmo FF in August of 2017. He was instantly inserted into the lineup and provided flexibility with his ability to play both wide and centrally.
“Yoshi’s been a really, really solid and consistent performer for us this entire season,” said head coach Jason Kreis following the win against San Jose. “He came in last year and, I think, adjusted to the league as quickly, if not quicker, that any person I’ve ever coached. So to see him taking a step on at the beginning of the season doesn’t surprise me in the slightest and I think he has some more to offer still.”
The World Cup bound midfielder also drew praise from his teammates. They think he is underrated.
“He gets overlooked a lot,” said rookie Chris Mueller. “I feel like he’s just unbelievable in the middle of the field with the balls he’s finding me on. It’s next level. My hat goes off to him.”
Yotún has been a big piece to the puzzle in Orlando City’s current four match win streak. He and the Lions will look to continue their strong play this Sunday in Colorado.
