What a difference a week makes! After a humiliating 0-3 home defeat to New England Revolution, Orlando City SC bounced back to win 0-1 at New York Red Bulls, halting a worrying run of three consecutive MLS defeats.
With the Lions desperate for a victory to get their noses back above the red line, Facundo Torres‘ solitary first-half strike was enough to steal away three precious points from Red Bull Arena.
Under pressure visiting Harrison, New Jersey, Oscar Pareja largely kept faith with the eleven that had just been humbled by Revs.
Making one switch, Kyle Smith for Ruan, Orlando City SC performed solidly in the first-half, limiting Red Bulls to few opportunities.
The crucial breakthrough came on 17 minutes when Kyle Duncan misjudged a Pedro Gallese goal kick.
Alexandre Pato smartly pivoted to receive the ball before laying in an incisive pin-point pass to fellow Brazilian Júnior Urso.
Bearing down on the Red Bulls’ 18-yard box, Urso was patient before laying in an inch perfect pass to the onrushing Facundo Torres down the left wing.
With one touch to get it out of his feet, El Cuervo then hit a powerful left-footed strike that kissed Carlos Coronel’s left hand post before nestling in the net.
Cue Facu’s trademark selfie celebration as City scored only their second MLS goal in 287+ minutes.
Just before half-time, heartbreak however as Alexandre Pato was taken off the field on a stretcher after a collision with Dru Yearwood.
Influential in the game, Pato’s body language didn’t look good ahead of what looks like another long-term spell on the sidelines.
Leading 0-1 at half-time, Orlando City SC had been in this position multiple times this season, only to throw away the initiative.
This time, it fortunately didn’t happen however.
Lacking confidence after two straight home defeats, Gerhard Struber’s side were wasteful with their second-half opportunities.
Blasting several shots high and not at all handsome over Pedro Gallese‘s bar, Orlando City SC stood strong to preserve an essential three points.
With just five points separating fifth-placed Columbus Crew and thirteenth-placed Atlanta United, nearly every Eastern Conference side still has ambitions of reaching the 2022 MLS Cup Playoffs.
Winning games consistently is the mandate for the chasing pack behind Philadelphia Union, CF Montréal, and New York City FC.
As for Sunday’s opponents Charlotte FC, Christian Lattanzio’s side just achieved a noteworthy 1-3 victory at NYCFC on Wednesday, only their second ever away victory in MLS.
Charlotte FC vs Orlando City SC – 2022 head-to-head stats
The inaugural MLS fixture between Orlando City SC and Charlotte FC took place back on April 30 with the Lions winning 2-1.
Prior to the game, Ruan had been struggling with confidence and form, but you’d never have known it.
On 16 minutes, Benji Michel cleverly shimmied past Jaylin Lindsey before sending a left-footed cross into Charlotte FC’s penalty area.
Gobbling up the cross was Ruan who had the freedom of Charlotte FC’s penalty area to score his first goal of the season.
Sprinting to City’s technical area to put on a mask of “The Flash” in celebration, it was a big moment for the right back.
After Charlotte FC naively brought all 10 field players up for a late first-half corner, Orlando City SC ruthlessly punished them in a classic counter attack.
After Mauricio Pereyra looped away a clearance, cue caps of a sprinting Ruan gallivanting up the pitch at blistering pace.
With only green space between himself and Kristijan Kahlina, Ruan smartly saw Facundo Torres to his right before assisting the Uruguayan for an easy second goal.
Orlando City SC never do things easy however, and the second-half was somewhat tense.
Especially when Charlotte FC halved the deficit with a cool Christian Fuchs penalty after Rodrigo Schlegel felled Alan Franco.
From here, Oscar Pareja‘s Lions had to hang tough but they showcased their defensive acumen to prevail 2-1.
Orlando City SC 2 Charlotte FC 1 – Highlights – April 30, 2022 (Credit: Major League Soccer)
Still Charlotte FC’s inaugural MLS season of course, this is only the second meeting of CLTFC and Orlando City SC.
Starting this Eastern Conference game series in the best possible fashion, the Lions will hope to make it a two-game sweep.
Given the huge popularity of soccer in the Southeastern United States, many have taken to social media to call for a geographical cup series.
A so-called “Dixie Cup” (working title) series that would involve Atlanta United, Charlotte FC, Inter Miami, and Orlando City SC.
For instance, on July 16, Austin FC won the Copa Tejas, having accumulated the most points from 2022 Texas Derby fixtures in MLS between themselves, FC Dallas, and Houston Dynamo.
Right now, Portland Timbers, Seattle Sounders and Vancouver Whitecaps contest the Cascadia Cup.
D.C. United and New York Red Bulls contest the Atlantic Cup, and Colorado Rapids and Real Salt Lake contest the Rocky Mountain Cup.
Surely we will see a Southeastern United States cup series in the next couple of years?
Charlotte FC form
Currently tenth in the Eastern Conference (32 points), Charlotte FC had been floundering before a statement 1-3 victory at NYCFC on Wednesday.
Nevertheless, Christian Lattanzio’s side have lost FOUR of their last SIX MLS fixtures and were thumped 5-0 at Los Angeles FC only last weekend.
Hopefully the Lions will smell blood as they head to the Queen City.
That said, Orlando City SC‘s attacking threat was minimal following Facundo Torres‘ first-half strike at New York Red Bulls.
Struggling for goals all season long, this has been the reason why City have attempted the high risk strategy of nicking games by the odd goal.
Strong home form is essential for any Major League Soccer side, especially during your inaugural MLS season.
Capturing the imagination in their North Carolina home market, Charlotte FC have been super strong at Bank of America Stadium in 2022.
Consistently averaging home attendances of over 31,000 fans, this twelfth man has genuinely helped CLTFC on the field.
Indeed, of Charlotte FC’s TEN MLS victories so far, EIGHT of these have come at home with 1-2 and 1-3 wins at Houston Dynamo and NYCFC proving the exceptions.
Charlotte FC 3 D.C. United 0 – Highlights – August 3, 2022 (Credit: Major League Soccer)
Orlando City SC form
Dig deeper into Orlando City SC‘s away form in MLS this year and you’ll find that a strong pattern has emerged.
Oscar Pareja‘s side certainly don’t struggle to seize the initiative in road games.
Taking the lead in NINE of our THIRTEEN away fixtures so far this season, Orlando City SC are more than familiar with executing the so-called “Papi special” road performance.
Overall, this clarity in away games has served us well with the Lions only suffering three away defeats all season long.
Unfortunately, the Lions haven’t substantiated their tough to beat reputation on the road with enough home victories.
New York Red Bulls 0 Orlando City SC 1 – Highlights – August 14, 2022 (Credit: Major League Soccer)
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Don’t forget, Charlotte FC vs Orlando City SC will be shown LIVE on Premier Sports 2 at 00:05 (GMT) in the early hours of Monday morning.
You can view our TV Fixture Tracker by clicking here.
GOOD NEWS 🚨 | @CharlotteFC 🆚 @OrlandoCitySC will be shown LIVE on @PremierSportsTV 2 at 00:05AM in the early hours of Monday morning. 😄📺⚽👏🏽
VIEW TV TRACKER 📺: https://t.co/KV9JvpAA0o#OCTwitter #CLTvORL #ForTheCrown #OrlandoCity #MLSUK pic.twitter.com/i4o3QxiNEd
— Orlando City UK (@Orlando_CityUK) August 18, 2022
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