Pinch us because we’re in dreamland! That’s right – Orlando City SC are just 90 minutes away from their first major honour in the Major League Soccer era.
After defeating Minnesota United 3-1 in the semi-finals, Oscar Pareja‘s now face Portland Timbers in the #MLSisBack Tournament Final on Tuesday, August 11.
Orlando City SC have surpassed supporters’ wildest expectations to reach this stage. Oscar Pareja and his side deserve enormous credit for an unforgettable tournament.
It would be a remarkable achievement for Orlando City SC to go all the way. After all, CONCACAF Champions League qualification is the prize for next Tuesday’s winner,
With Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom nearby, Oscar Pareja has certainly waved his magic wand on this Lions roster.
Despite the notable arrivals of Antônio Carlos, Pedro Gallese and Júnior Urso, this Orlando City SC squad is largely unchanged from last year.
James O’Connor laid some foundations in 2019 but Oscar Pareja has catapulted Orlando City SC‘s game to an entirely different level.
Reaching this stage by no fluke, Orlando City SC hasn’t just played attractive soccer. Unbeaten so far, they’ve played with immense grit, determination and supreme mental strength too.
Rescuing three deficits so far at the #MLSisBack Tournament, the belief in the locker room and amongst City supporters is contagious at the minute.
And what about Nani? The 33-year-old continues to laugh in the face of his doubters with a sensational two-goal performance against Minnesota United.
As for our #MLSisBack Tournament Final opponents Portland Timbers, they beat Philadelphia Union 2-1 to get here.
Now contesting their third MLS era final, Timbers will be the favourites. However, everybody is now waking up to Orlando City SC‘s newfound quality.
Solid, and sometimes spectacular under the charismatic Giovanni Savarese, we should be in for a fantastically well-fought final chapter in the bubble.
Portland Timbers vs Orlando City SC – 2015/19 head-to-head stats
The last time Orlando City SC faced Portland Timbers, the Lions almost snatched all three points over 3,030 miles from home.
Providence Park is notoriously one of the most difficult away venues in Major League Soccer. However, James O’Connor‘s side caught Timbers on an off night.
Orlando City SC took a 44th minute lead after Santiago Patiño smartly latched onto a cleared Robinho cross.
Three points would’ve been vital following a 1-0 win over Columbus Crew a game previous. Unfortunately, Jeremy Ebobisse had other ideas.
After second-half Timbers pressure, the USMNT forward was quick to head home a Brian Fernández header to tie the game on 82 minutes.
Portland Timbers 1 Orlando City SC 1 – Highlights – July 18, 2020 (Credit: Qualityfirst)
The good news heading into the #MLSisBack Tournament Final? Orlando City SC are something of a bogey side to Timbers.
That’ll be music to the ears of Lions supporters heading into this one.
A game series FIVE fixtures old, Portland Timbers have only defeated City once – and we all know how poor our first five MLS seasons have been.
That’s somewhat strange given Timbers’ pedigree in recent years. However, we’ll certainly take that heading into the biggest game in club history.
Of City’s THREE victories over Timbers, the Lions’ first ever head-to-head was an impressive 0-2 win at Providence Park in April 2015.
Looking back on recent fixture history, Portland Timbers vs Orlando City SC games are full of goals.
Indeed, THREE of the last FOUR MLS head-to-heads have produced THREE OR MORE goals.
In the last head-to-head in Central Florida (April 2018), Orlando City SC miraculously won 3-2 despite trailing 0-2 in the 79th minute.
With Chris Mueller, Sacha Kljestan and Dom Dwyer goals sealing an incredible seven-minute comeback, this was the most dramatic game witnessed at Exploria Stadium to date.
Nevertheless, with CONCACAF Champions League qualification on the line this time, we can probably expect a much cagier affair.
Orlando City SC 3 Portland Timbers 2 – Highlights – April 8, 2018 (Credit: Major League Soccer)
Portland Timbers form
At the ripe old age of 32, Sebastián Blanco is still one of MLS’s most dangerous players.
The former West Bromwich Albion man has registered THREE goals and FIVE assists at the #MLSisBack Tournament so far.
A man in fantastic form heading into this final, stopping both Blanco and fellow Argentine Diego Valeri will be key.
Easier said than done of course, the third major threat is Jeremy Ebobisse. The 23-year-old is currently tied third in the golden boot race with FOUR goals.
Orlando City SC form
Ok, so we just scared you with Sebastián Blanco’s form. How about some encouragement?
Well, a cornerstone of Orlando City SC‘s newfound success has been the Lions’ ability to defend intelligently while giving little away.
Indeed, City are yet to concede a single goal from a set piece at the #MLSisBack Tournament! Impressive, right?
Quite simply, you’re watching a team reborn, a far cry from the Orlando City SC sides offering so much disappointment since 2015.
Can we go one step further and clinch our first MLS silverware?
Orlando City UK wishes the players, the coaching staff and the Front Office the very best of luck.
Orlando City SC 3 Minnesota United 1- Highlights – August 6, 2020 (Credit: Minnesota United FC)
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Don’t forget, Portland Timbers vs Orlando City SC will be shown LIVE on FreeSports in the early hours of Wednesday morning just after 01:30 (GMT). It’s also live on Sky Sports Football.
You can view our TV Fixture Tracker by clicking here.
GOOD NEWS 😄 | @TimbersFC 🆚 @OrlandoCitySC is LIVE on @FreeSports_TV and @SkySports Football in the early hours of Wednesday.
A couple of options for the 🦁's biggest game yet, the #MLSisBack Final. 🏆
VIEW TV TRACKER 📺: https://t.co/KV9JvpAA0o#PORvORL #OrlandoCity #MLSUK pic.twitter.com/yUPGNAnBt1
— Orlando City UK (@Orlando_CityUK) August 9, 2020