Updated at 16.49
SEAN ST LEDGER HAS been in excellent form of late for Orlando City and the defender impressed again last night during his side’s 2-0 win over Columbus Crew in the US Open Cup.
Goals from Kaka and Carlos Rivas helped Orlando earn a victory, though St Ledger caught the eye as well, producing a solid display at the back, replete with one particularly impressive goal-line clearance.
“I think Ledge had the save of the year. I don’t think I’m going to be able to beat that one,” goalkeeper Tally Hall said after the match. “The view I had is going for the ball and I’m turning around to watch it hit the back of the net and all of the sudden he just comes flying in. It was a well-placed shot and it was a special save.”
Since coming into the team, St Ledger — who has 37 Ireland caps, but has not featured since Martin O’Neill took over as manager — has helped the MLS side secure a number of clean sheets.
“Every one of the defenders individually has a lot of responsibility on this team and it seems like every time they’re given a task, they step up to the plate and they’re doing a very good job,” Hall added.
“[It was] huge. It could’ve changed the entire game. Instead, it [turned] out to be a comfortable 2-0 victory for us,” said Hall. “But make no mistake, that [goal] goes in and the game changes.”
Manager Adrian Heath also reserved special praise for the 30-year-old ex-Preston and Leicester player.
“I think he’s grown with every performance, really. Not just his performance, but the way he is with the rest of the group. Suddenly he’s becoming a leader… One of the reasons we brought him here is we thought his experience would be invaluable during the year and it’s proving that way. He’s come in and been outstanding.”
You can see St Ledger’s great defending just after the 2.09 minute mark in the video below…
