Still undefeated after Gameweek 3 of the 2023 MLS season, Orlando City SC now face Charlotte FC at Exploria Stadium after achieving a 1-1 draw at D.C. United last weekend.
Downbeat however after narrowly being eliminated (on away goals) by Tigres UANL in the 2023 CONCACAF Champions League on Wednesday, this is a great chance to bounce back and put crucial Eastern Conference points on the board early in the season.
Reflecting on last Saturday, most City supporters were content with the 1-1 draw at Audi Field despite the disappointment of conceding Chris Durkin’s 80th minute equaliser.
A tricky game sandwiched in the middle of two titanic CONCACAF Champions League ties, the away test and Wayne Rooney factor, meant the D.C. game looked like a banana skin – at least on paper.
On the night, The Black and Red bossed the game in terms of possession (57% to 43%) and shots (on goal) (16 (5) to 9 (4)).
Nevertheless, it was Orlando City SC who took the lead through rookie Duncan McGuire who started the game on his MLS debut.
A moment the 22-year-old will never forget, McGuire opened the scoring on 53 minutes.
After Dagur Dan Thórhallsson sent a well-placed Kyle Smith header towards D.C.’s goal, Duncan McGuire bundled the Icelander’s header home past Tyler Miller from point-blank range.
Imitating Nani by impressively somersaulting in celebration, it was a great way for McGuire to cap his Major League Soccer debut.
Just three minutes later however, Orlando City SC eventually survived a penalty shout thanks to VAR.
After Christian Benteke cannoned a strike off Robin Jansson, the ball deflected up and hit Wilder Cartagena‘s left hand.
But with the Peruvian clearly attempting to pull his hands away from the deflected strike, referee Jon Freemon correctly ruled that there would be no penalty.
From here, Orlando City SC supporters’ would’ve snapped your hands off for a 0-1 “Papi special” performance on the road.
Sadly, it wasn’t to be.
On 80 minutes, Orlando City SC sloppily failed to clear their lines before Pedro Santos laid in Chris Durkin.
Striking right on the edge of City’s 18-yard box, Durkin cut the ball back to his left foot before driving an inch-perfect shot to Pedro Gallese‘s left.
Frustratingly a superbly taken goal, honours remained even at full-time, but Orlando City SC remain undefeated three MLS gameweeks down.
As for Gameweek 4 opponents Charlotte FC, the Queen City side have endured a nightmare start to 2023.
Currently sitting rock bottom of the Eastern Conference, Christian Lattanzio’s have lost all three of their MLS games so far this season.
0-1, 3-1 and 3-0 defeats to New England Revolution, St. Louis CITY SC and Atlanta United mean CLTFC currently sit depressingly on zero points.
It’s now up to Orlando City SC to take no mercy and take advantage of an Eastern Conference opponent down in the doldrums right now.
Orlando City SC vs Charlotte FC
Last 2 head-to-heads
- April 30, 2022: Orlando City SC 2 Charlotte FC 1 (MLS)
- August 21, 2022: Charlotte FC 1 Orlando City SC 2 (MLS)
2022 head-to-head stats
- It was 1-2 to Orlando the last time the sides met (August 2022)
- Played Charlotte 2 times in MLS – Orlando 2, Draws 0, Charlotte 0
- Orlando have taken the lead in both MLS head-to-heads so far
- There have been under 2.5 goals scored in Orlando’s last 4 MLS fixtures
- Charlotte have lost 3 of their last 4 away fixtures in MLS
…
Watching the game
Orlando City SC vs Charlotte FC will be shown live on Apple TV at 23:30 (GMT) on Saturday, March 18.
Remember, UK supporters can watch all of Orlando City SC‘s 2023 MLS regular season fixtures by subscribing to Apple TV’s “MLS Season Pass”.
Subscribe now by clicking here.
…
Support Orlando City UK
Passionate about what we do, Orlando City UK content will always be free. The most important thing for us is sharing our love of Orlando City SC with you all and donations are by no means expected. However, if you enjoy our content, a token towards the regular maintenance of Orlando City UK is hugely appreciated!
