Back on April 27, Orlando City SC were drawn against Charlotte FC at the Sportsplex at Matthews in this Round of 32 stage of the 2023 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup.
Bypassing the third round by virtue of triumphantly winning the 2022 Lamar U.S. Open Cup, six straight home victories saw City lift their first major silverware as an MLS club. With an away test up first this time around, there will be no home comforts as City attempt to defend their 2022 title.
Casting our minds back to the victorious evening of September 7, 2022, our 3-0 victory over Sacramento Republic in the 2022 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Final was one for the history books.
The Lions thrashed New York Red Bulls 5-1 in their semi-final. As for USL Championship opponents Sacramento, they overcame Sporting Kansas City 5-4 on penalties (0-0 A.E.T.) in theirs.
The darlings of last year’s tournament, Mark Briggs’ Republic side shocked all of North America to reach their first U.S. Open Cup final, impressively dumping out three MLS sides en route.
Despite their heroic run, Orlando City SC knew that home field advantage and a lower league opponent meant a massive chance to put silverware in our trophy cabinet.
After a nervy first-half, a half in which minor league side Sacramento Republic frustrated the home side, the second-half belonged to Facundo Torres.
Enjoying a stellar first season with the Lions, “El Cuervo” earned instant legendary status courtesy of a second-half brace that etched him into Orlando City SC folklore.
With Orlando’s very own Benji Michel adding a third late on, full-time was an outpouring crescendo of sheer joy, relief, and exuberance at finally winning our first trophy as an MLS club, eight seasons into our journey.
It was a first-hand reminder of why we’re all hopelessly devoted to sport and all its ups and downs.
Our early year struggles in MLS made this timely victory all the more sweeter!
Finishing this daydream, this year’s Round of 32 opponents Charlotte FC defeated South Georgia Tormenta FC 4-1 back on April 25.
Kamil Jóźwiak, Enzo Copetti, Derrick Jones, and Karol Świderski goals helped CLTFC avoid a cupset.
April’s third round saw most Major League Soccer sides handle their business.
Everybody apart from San Jose Earthquakes and our dear friends Atlanta United that is!
Memphis 901 FC achieved the shock result of the round by beating The Five Stripes 1-2 (A.E.T.) at Fifth Third Bank Stadium.
With the Round of 32 stacked with quality Major League Soccer sides, defending our 2022 U.S. Open Cup title will be anything but straightforward.
Charlotte FC vs Orlando City SC
Last 3 head-to-heads
- April 30, 2021: Orlando City SC 2 Charlotte FC 1 (MLS)
- August 21, 2022: Charlotte FC 1 Orlando City SC 2 (MLS)
- March 18, 2023: Orlando City SC 1 Charlotte FC 2 (MLS)
2022/23 head-to-head stats
- It was 1-2 to Charlotte the last time the sides met (March 2023)
- Played Charlotte 3 times in MLS – Charlotte 1, Draws 0, Orlando 2
- All 3 MLS head-to-heads have finished 2-1 / 1-2
- There have been 5 or more yellow cards issued in all 3 MLS head-to-heads so far
- Charlotte are unbeaten in their last 5 home fixtures across all competitions
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Watching the game
Unfortunately, Charlotte FC vs Orlando City SC in the 2023 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Round of 32 is not being televised live for the UK audience.
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