Pain. Misery. Embarrassment. These are all words that unfortunately sum up Orlando City SC’s current plight. After Oscar Pareja’s side suffered a 0-1 loss to FC Cincinnati last Saturday, the pressure is mounting in a 2024 season that is quickly spiralling into a nightmare.
Conceding in just 17 seconds in FC Cincinnati’s very first attack of the game, the 0-1 result marked our fifth defeat of the MLS season, our third loss at home already, and our second home defeat in as many weeks.
To make matters ten times worse, Rodrigo Schlegel‘s colossal error and subsequent red card on 20 minutes left Orlando City SC supporters teetering between laughter and tears – such was the ridiculousness of Schlegel’s latest kamikaze error.
Now visiting Chester, Pennsylvania to take on Philadelphia Union, Jim Curtin’s side rescued a 2-2 draw at D.C. United last Saturday, fighting back from 2-0 down to salvage a point through veteran Alejandro Bedoya and a MLS goal of the season contender from Jack McGlynn.
Last time out
As mentioned at the outset, FC Cincinnati farcically opened the scoring just 17 seconds into the match at Inter&Co Stadium last Saturday, courtesy of Luciano Acosta.
This goal came so early that some City supporters were still making their way to their seats from the concession stands and concourses within Inter&Co Stadium!
Combining Tyrese Spicer and Prince Owusu’s late comeback goals for Toronto FC with Acosta’s strike from kick-off, all three goals were conceded within just 10 minutes of soccer at Inter&Co Stadium – a harsh reality to swallow, especially after a full week of team training in between.
To surrender these goals and suffer huge lapses in concentration for two weeks in a row is utterly unacceptable.
With Luciano Acosta’s strike not only representing FC Cincinnati’s fastest goal in club history but also the quickest goal that Orlando City SC have conceded in MLS, the Orange and Blue painfully managed to hold onto this lead all the way to full-time.
Looking back, the reigning Landon Donovan MLS MVP capitalised on FC Cincinnati’s very first attack of the game.
Running onto a precise long ball forward from DeAndre Yedlin, the diminutive Argentine slalomed into the Orlando City SC box with ease.
Embarrassingly sitting down Wilder Cartagena and breezing past the sleepwalking and initially out of position Robin Jansson, Acosta then coolly slotted past Pedro Gallese.
A goal that left Inter&Co Stadium shell-shocked, City supporters couldn’t believe their eyes again on 20 minutes.
Partly to blame himself, Wilder Cartagena left a loose back pass to Rodrigo Schlegel who then made his latest calamity in a seemingly never-ending playbook of catastrophic errors.
Both misjudging the play with neither Cartagena nor Schlegel taking proper defensive care, Schlegel stuttered only to let Yuya Kubo break away and run clear through on Pedro Gallese’s goal.
Schlegel, sprinting at full speed in a desperate attempt to catch up with Kubo, then lunged in on the Japanese forward just outside City’s box, bringing down the FC Cincinnati man in a chaotic tangle.
While he didn’t concede a penalty, Schlegel’s sliding tackle was completely avoidable, ill-timed, and ultimately, a complete and utter mess.
Following VAR review, Rodrigo Schlegel deservedly received a red card for the clear denial of a goalscoring opportunity (DOGSO).
As referee Ismail Elfath announced ”Foul… tripping by number 15 of the purple team… final decision, red card” over the Inter&Co Stadium speakers in the new NFL-style in-game announcements introduced to MLS this season, things were going from bad to worse.
From Rodrigo Schlegel’s fatal red card against Columbus Crew as we exited the 2023 MLS Cup Playoffs, to his comical defending in our 5-0 drubbing at Inter Miami, to last Saturday’s red card, you have to question how much longer Oscar Pareja can tolerate Schlegel’s consistent defensive errors.
With repeated lapses in judgement and costly mistakes, Schlegel has been a huge liability for far too long.
In response to Rodrigo Schlegel’s red card, Oscar Pareja subbed off Martín Ojeda for David Brekalo, sacrificing “Tincho” for the Slovenian who had actually been nursing a left thigh injury incurred during our 1-2 loss to Toronto FC a game prior.
Sure, we needed to sacrifice someone at 10 men but Papi’s decision to withdraw Ojeda was unpopular amongst City fans with the Argentine being one of our only players to carry a legitimate goalscoring threat.
Despite playing with a numerical advantage thereafter, FC Cincinnati failed to exploit the situation despite Orlando City SC struggling to muster a single shot on target in the opening half.
That said, Wilder Cartagena did rattle Roman Celentano’s crossbar on 5 minutes, only adding to our anguish.
In the second-half, Wilder Cartagena came close to equalising again on 68 minutes but the Peruvian’s goal was disallowed due to an offside decision.
To give Orlando City SC some credit, they did show character and battle hard despite playing a man down for much of the game.
With Matt Miazga visibly trash talking Orlando City SC players early in the game, it’s super frustrating that we couldn’t hurt Miazga and the visiting Ohio side.
On 48 minutes, we nearly struck back when Iván Angulo rounded Roman Celentano only for Miles Robinson to make a last ditch goal-line clearance.
After this, City were handed further hope when FC Cincinnati’s Bret Halsey received his second yellow card on 78 minutes, reducing the visitors to ten men – making it a 10 versus 10 game in turn.
However, Orlando City SC ultimately failed to capitalise on the situation, suffering our second consecutive defeat and extending our winless streak to three MLS matches.
Adding further insult to injury, starting full backs Dagur Dan Thórhallsson (concussion protocol) and Rafael Santos (right shoulder) were both forced off with injuries during the course of the game too.
As we said at the outset – pain, misery, and embarrassment.
Lacking an identity, a clear style of play, and attacking ingenuity too, we’re all wondering when things will change?
Who knows!
Last head-to-head
Last facing Philadelphia Union in MLS back in June 2023, Orlando City SC were left frustrated after throwing away a two-goal lead in a 2-2 draw.
With Duncan McGuire and Martín Ojeda scoring their sixth and fourth City goals of 2023, there was plenty to be proud of.
Nevertheless, José Martínez’s 90th minute equaliser, albeit a goal of the season contender, was painfully the THIRD equaliser that City had conceded at home after the 85th minute mark last year.
On a night where Roberto Carlos was in attendance at Inter&Co Stadium, Union’s José Martínez mimicked the legendary Brazilian with an unstoppable golazo from range.
Sweetly striking an Antônio Carlos clearance one-time on the half volley, the Venezuelan’s fearsome drive ripped past Mason Stajduhar with deadly accuracy.
Remarkably, in the seven minutes of second-half stoppage time, both teams came agonisingly close to scoring game-winning goals as they each struck the bar!
Back in the first-half however, Duncan McGuire opened the scoring on 13 minutes.
This was after a wonderful back-heeled assist from Martín Ojeda.
On 54 minutes, former Lion Joe Bendik was beaten by Ojeda himself, with the aid of the slightest deflection off McGuire.
In command at 2-0 up, it was super frustrating the way in which Orlando City SC handed Union a lifeline.
On 60 minutes, Jack McGlynn’s intended left-footed cross sailed over everybody and into City’s net.
With Mason Stajduhar getting his positioning all wrong, it was a cheap way to hand Jim Curtin’s side a route back into the game.
From here, anxiety filled Inter&Co Stadium yet again.
Well, up until the 86th minute anyway!
After sub Ercan Kara muscled away José Martínez in central midfield, the Austrian set off on an unstoppable solo run forward.
Smartly cutting the ball back to Iván Angulo, the Colombian thought he’d tapped home Orlando City SC‘s third goal, only to be cruelly denied by VAR review.
With referee Alex Chilowicz correctly ruling that Kara fouled Martínez in the build-up, a tangle Martínez certainly made the most of, this goal would’ve sealed all three points.
From here, José Martínez ripped his unstoppable 90th minute equaliser before some more stoppage time madness!
On 94 minutes, sub Ramiro Enrique hit Union’s crossbar before Mikael Uhre hit City’s crossbar right at the death.
Yet another dramatic display of what Major League Soccer is all about, Orlando City SC had to be content with a point when it could’ve been so much more.
What’s at stake this time?
Quite simply, Orlando City SC’s pride is at stake right now.
Rather than fixating on our lowly fourteenth position in the Eastern Conference, we simply need to put in a single proper performance to reinstall some squad and supporter faith.
Make no bones about it; 2024 has been an absolute disaster so far.
When many might’ve expected Orlando City SC to kick on in MLS following our 2024 CONCACAF Champions Cup elimination, we’ve actually gone the other way.
As we all know, Oscar Pareja has earned the trust of City supporters after turning the club’s fortunes around since 2020.
However, Papi must be acutely aware that our current performances are falling way short of expectations, possibly putting his own position at risk five seasons into his tenure at Inter&Co Stadium.
While we have no inside scoop on the Wilf family’s thoughts regarding how hot Oscar Pareja’s seat may be, they must be feeling a profound sense of disappointment at just how drastically we’ve fallen short of expectations so far this season.
With tough-looking games to come against Philadelphia Union (away), Inter Miami (home), and San Jose Earthquakes (away), there is going to be no hiding place if our performances continue to flatter to deceive.
Another uncomfortable truth is that Luis Muriel still awaits his first Orlando City SC goal too.
Like we’ve inferred throughout this entire writeup, every Orlando City SC player needs to look in the mirror right now and dig deep to turn our precarious situation around.
As for City’s opponents this Saturday, Philadelphia Union have never suffered a three-match home losing streak in all competitions in club history.
Losing to Real Salt Lake (1-2) and Seattle Sounders (2-3) at Subaru Park in April, this record is on the line for the hosts.
Opposition danger men
When discussing Philadelphia Union’s potent attacking threats, Hungarian international Dániel Gazdag shines brightest on the pitch.
Since joining the Union in 2021, attacking midfielder Gazdag has proven inspirational, showcasing his adeptness in both scoring and creating opportunities.
With a keen eye for goal and impeccable vision, Gazdag has already left a mark on MLS with his seamless integration into the squad’s dynamic attacking style.
To date in MLS, Dániel Gazdag has impressively tallied 46 goals and 27 assists for Union.
In all competitions, Gazdag has now scored 57 goals for Union, becoming their all-time leading goalscorer and surpassing club legend Sébastien Le Toux (50 goals) in the process.
Notably, 20 of Dániel Gazdag’s MLS goals have been penalty kicks, showcasing his sterling reputation for converting in crucial moments.
Under the guidance of head coach Jim Curtin, Gazdag has flourished in his role, often dictating the tempo of games from midfield and threading pin-point passes to unlock opposing defences.
Whether orchestrating plays from the centre of the park or making well-timed runs into the box, Gazdag’s versatility adds a layer of unpredictability to the Union’s attacking prowess.
Gazdag has already scored six MLS goals this season and former Inter Miami striker Julián Carranza isn’t too far behind with four MLS goals of his own.
New opposition faces
Compared to the last time Orlando City SC faced Philadelphia Union in MLS, the Chester, Pennsylvania side have only a made a few small alterations to their roster.
Consistently finishing in the upper echelons of the Eastern Conference, Jim Curtin has relied upon a trusted core of players that have called Subaru Park home for a long while now.
Among the new additions for 2024 however are young American winger Markus Anderson, German goalkeeper Oliver Semmle, American full back Isaiah LeFlore, and Danish central midfielder Sanders Ngabo.
In truth, these players are currently depth pieces beyond trusted starting eleven stars such as Andre Blake, Jakob Glesnes, Alejandro Bedoya, Dániel Gazdag, and Julián Carranza.
Last but not least, Philadelphia Union announced earlier today that they have signed 14-year-old midfielder Cavan Sullivan through 2028 in the largest deal for a Homegrown Player in Major League Soccer history.
The younger brother of Quinn Sullivan who is also on the Union, Cavan has been dubbed a generational talent, garnering such high praise that Premier League giants Manchester City have already secured his signature for when he turns 18.
Now officially on Philadelphia Union’s first team roster after being handed the number #6 jersey, Cavan Sullivan is unlikely to make his MLS debut this weekend against Orlando City SC – but you never know in this league!
After all, Union head coach Jim Curtin said today that: “We’re not afraid to put Cavan on the field when he’s ready. He’ll get on the field on merit.
“I’ll just say it publicly – (that day is) a lot closer than people realise.”
If Cavan Sullivan does indeed make his MLS debut this Saturday or before July 29, 2024, he will become the youngest player to make his debut among the top North American professional sports leagues (MLB, MLS, NBA, NFL, NHL, NWSL) as well as the youngest player to make his debut among the top five European soccer leagues.
For what it’s worth, Freddy Adu (D.C. United) still currently holds the record for being the youngest ever MLS debutant at 14 years and 306 days back on April 3, 2004.
Orlando City SC have already suffered their fair share of embarrassing moments this year and conceding to a 14-year-old probably isn’t beyond the realms of possibility right now!
Injuries and suspensions
Heading into this game, Dagur Dan Thórhallsson (concussion protocol) is questionable for Orlando City SC.
As for Ramiro Enrique (right ankle), Rafael Santos (right shoulder), and young Homegrown Player Tahir Reid-Brown (left thigh), this trio are definitely out for the Lions.
Speaking of Philadelphia Union, Markus Anderson (leg), Olivier Mbaizo (calf), and Cavan Sullivan (hip) are all questionable for Jim Curtin’s side.
Inspirational goalkeeper Andre Blake (knee) and defender Isaiah LeFlore (knee) are definitely out, however.
Suspension-wise, Rodrigo Schlegel will miss this game after his red card against FC Cincinnati.
Talking of suspensions, Robin Jansson is currently on four MLS yellow cards for the season meaning that our captain will miss Inter Miami at home on May 15 if he receives a fifth yellow card (and a subsequent one-game ban) at Philadelphia Union.
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Philadelphia Union vs Orlando City SC
Last 3 head-to-heads
- September 10, 2022: Philadelphia Union 5 Orlando City SC 1 (MLS)
- March 25, 2023: Philadelphia Union 1 Orlando City SC 2 (MLS)
- June 21, 2023: Orlando City SC 2 Philadelphia Union 2 (MLS)
2015/23 head-to-head stats
- It was 2-2 the last time the sides met (June 2023)
- Played Union 18 times in MLS – Union 8, Draws 5, Orlando 5
- Both sides have scored in 10 of the last 11 head-to-heads across all competitions
- Union have lost their last 2 MLS fixtures at home
- Orlando have conceded 5 goals within the opening 10 minutes so far this MLS season
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Watching the game
Philadelphia Union vs Orlando City SC will be shown live on Apple TV at 00:30 (GMT) on Sunday, May 12.
Remember, UK supporters can watch all of Orlando City SC‘s 2024 MLS regular season fixtures by subscribing to Apple TV’s “MLS Season Pass”.
Subscribe now by clicking here.
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