Orlando City SC could only manage a 2-2 draw at Charlotte FC on Wednesday despite playing a man up for 57 minutes after Scott Arfield’s first-half red card. The Lions were even facing the prospect of a disastrous defeat when Brandt Bronico put Dean Smith’s 10-man side 2-1 ahead in the second-half. However, Facundo Torres‘ 81st minute equaliser saved Oscar Pareja’s Lions further embarrassment in what is turning out to be an awful outlier season.
Right now, City need wins, not draws to climb up from second bottom in the Eastern Conference. However, scoring two goals in a single game is a positive sign, something we haven’t accomplished since our 2-3 win against Philadelphia Union on May 11. Now contesting a must-win game against thirteenth-placed Chicago Fire at Inter&Co Stadium, we have a crucial opportunity to leapfrog the team directly ahead of us.
Speaking of Chicago Fire, they defeated Toronto FC 1-4 last Saturday, achieving back-to-back victories for the first time this season after a terrible nine-game winless streak. Entering this game fresher than Orlando City SC having not played in midweek, Frank Klopas’ side will be encouraged by the Lions’ poor home record (1-3-5) which is currently the joint-worst in Major League Soccer.
In Saturday’s game, City will be wearing rainbow jersey numbers instead of gold to commemorate Pride In Our City Night at Inter&Co Stadium.
Last time out
Visiting Charlotte FC on Wednesday, Orlando City SC salvaged a 2-2 draw after having a man advantage for much of the game at Bank of America Stadium.
Despite playing 10 vs. 11, Charlotte FC actually took the lead (2-1) through Brandt Bronico on 77 minutes – but we’ll get to that!
In the clubs’ first MLS regular season meeting of 2024, Oscar Pareja retained a 4-4-2 formation, entrusting Mason Stajduhar with his third start of the year, while Iván Angulo made his 75th appearance across all competitions.
Papi also handed a rare start to Felipe Martins in place of César Araújo who was recently fined for violating the Simulation-Embellishment policy in last Saturday’s 1-3 defeat to Los Angeles FC.
On 11 minutes, Liel Abada and Scott Arfield combined well to slice right through the heart of Orlando City SC’s midfield and defence.
After Abada sent a cross into City’s box, a miscommunication between Felipe Martins and Iván Angulo proved fatal.
Getting in each other’s way, Felipe Martins’ sliding clearance fell right into the path of Kerwin Vargas who blasted Charlotte FC into an early lead (1-0).
Really lacking confidence this season, this was the worst possible start for a downtrodden Orlando City SC side.
The football gods handed City a boost on 38 minutes, however.
After a reckless sliding challenge on Felipe Martins, Charlotte FC’s Scott Arfield was sent off following a three-minute VAR review.
Initially handing a yellow card to Arfield, referee Allen Chapman then deemed the challenge a “serious foul offence” and upgraded the yellow to a straight red card.
Just beyond the hour mark, Orlando City SC finally made their one-man advantage count.
After patient build-up play from the Lions, Luis Muriel cleverly spotted Facundo Torres unmarked at Kristijan Kahlina’s back post.
Reading the flight of the cross perfectly, Torres nodded the ball over Nathan Byrne’s head into the path of the advancing Duncan McGuire who equalised with a clinical goal poacher’s finish (1-1).
With McGuire timing his run perfectly, it’s this movement, instinct, and soccer IQ that has so many teams interested in prising him away from Inter&Co Stadium.
This Duncan McGuire strike was significant too because it took him to 22 goals in purple (all competitions), seeing him tie Chris Mueller in sixth place on the Lions’ all-time goalscoring chart.
From here on out, you would’ve never guessed that it was 10 vs. 11 with Charlotte FC digging deep to still cause Orlando City SC trouble.
After setting up a Ben Bender header on 69 minutes, second-half substitute Brandt Bronico got on the scoresheet himself eight minutes later.
And once again, much like Kerwin Vargas’ opener, Orlando City SC’s defending left a lot to be desired!
It all started on 76 minutes when Jere Uronen sent a long hopeful ball forward.
Right away, Patrick Agyemang’s youthful vigour posed a serious challenge for Robin Jansson.
Failing to read the play, Jansson carelessly relinquished possession to Agyemang, who then rode a feeble challenge from Rafael Santos.
Agyemang calmly slipped a pass to Brandt Bronico, who surged forward from midfield and delicately chipped a shot past Mason Stajduhar, giving Charlotte FC the lead despite playing a man down (2-1).
Talk about embarrassing!
Seemingly surpassing new levels of pain and misery each game, Orlando City SC needed to respond – and quick!
But we had to suffer more agony on 80 minutes when Kristijan Kahlina somehow tipped a point-blank Robin Jansson shot over his crossbar.
Fortunately, we managed to save our blushes from Nicolás Lodeiro’s resulting corner.
The Uruguayan’s out-swinger found Facundo Torres at Charlotte FC’s back post with El Cuervo producing some long overdue quality.
Expertly cushioning the corner one-time, Torres then stroked a left-footed shot past Kristijan Kahlina to spare Orlando City SC total embarrassment at 10 vs. 11 (2-2).
Smelling blood, another Nicolás Lodeiro corner caused chaos on 84 minutes.
With the corner falling to Rodrigo Schlegel, Kahlina deflected the Argentine’s shot onto his near post before Jack Lynn somehow sent the rebound wide of Kahlina’s far post.
In the end, the play was flagged offside so it wouldn’t have counted, but the failure to score was symptomatic of our season so far.
Despite Charlotte FC having the best home record in the East (6-4-1), it was another disappointing night for the Lions who need wins, not draws in our current predicament.
The only real positive was that we scored two goals – something we haven’t done too frequently this season.
On a personal note, there was also a second-ever MLS appearance for City’s young Homegrown Player Alex Freeman.
Replacing Iván Angulo in second-half stoppage time, it was Freeman’s first MLS appearance since April 29, 2023.
Last head-to-head
Facing Chicago Fire as recently as May 29, Orlando City SC were pegged back in a 1-1 draw at Soldier Field.
There was early positivity for City when Facundo Torres broke his goal drought in just the fourth minute.
It was truly one of the most comical goals Major League Soccer has produced all season – one that was hugely embarrassing for Chicago Fire.
The MLS Twitter account even deleted their original tweet of the goal to save face!
After a smart defence-splitting pass from Luis Muriel found Iván Angulo on Fire’s byline, Angulo cut the ball back across the penalty area.
The ball reached Facundo Torres, but El Cuervo got it stuck under his feet at the top of the six-yard box, losing possession in turn.
A failed clearance by Chicago Fire then allowed Luis Muriel to get involved, leading to the mother of all scrambles inside the Fire penalty area.
With Fire players desperately throwing themselves at the ball to clear it from danger, and City players lunging in to score, it was truly like a pinball machine in there!
Despite Mauricio Pineda initially blocking Iván Angulo’s shot, Facundo Torres eventually found the net with his left foot.
In comical circumstances, it was Pineda who blasted a clearance right into Kellyn Acosta’s midriff, inadvertently deflecting the ball right to Torres.
Torres then swivelled and placed a shot inside Chris Brady’s far post to give Orlando City SC the lead (0-1).
Only El Cuervo’s second MLS goal since scoring at CF Montréal back on April 20, the Uruguayan felt mighty relieved to break his duck.
A happy hunting ground for Facundo Torres, it was the 24-year-old’s second MLS goal at Soldier Field in as many seasons.
More significantly, it was Facu’s 25th MLS regular season goal, eclipsing Dom Dwyer and Kaká for the third-most goals in club history.
As the first-half progressed however, Chicago Fire began creating more opportunities.
Especially when Tom Barlow stung Pedro Gallese’s palms on 18 minutes, albeit in a play that was offside.
Then, on 21 minutes, Hugo Cuypers nearly equalised for the hosts after a fortuitous bounce.
However, the Belgian somehow conspired to drag his shot just wide of Gallese’s goal from penalty spot range.
Inviting more Fire pressure, Federico Navarro carved through Orlando City SC’s defence on 42 minutes.
Fortunately however, Pedro Gallese managed to deflect the Argentine’s shot away at full stretch.
After this, controversy ruled in first-half stoppage time.
Indeed, the entire coaching staff and players of Orlando City SC erupted in shouts for a penalty when Iván Angulo was brought down in the box by Federico Navarro.
Racing clear through on Chris Brady’s goal, Brady’s outstretched leg didn’t catch Angulo but Navarro’s right leg definitely made contact with Angulo’s left.
A play that would’ve seen Angulo tap into an empty net if Navarro hadn’t fouled him, some may argue that Angulo should’ve been strong enough to retain his balance and score.
However, when you’re moving at high speed like Angulo, the slightest contact can knock you off balance.
For me, it’s telling that Apple TV’s seven-minute game highlights conveniently left out this play!
With Kyndra de St. Aubin and Tyler Terens both calling penalty in their live commentary, the Lions were right to feel hard done by in this moment.
Not for the first time either at Soldier Field after being PRO’d by referee Ismir Pekmic back in March 2022.
While referee Malik Badawi initially missed the foul on Angulo, what seemed mighty suspect was the officials’ decision not to have Badawi consult the VAR monitor afterwards.
The decision not to award a clear penalty for this stonewall foul, along with a potential red card for the denial of a goalscoring opportunity (DOGSO), left Orlando City SC players and staff fuming as we entered half-time.
A pivotal moment in the game, it seemed inevitable that Fire would equalise, given they had the best of the second-half.
And it was Hugo Cuypers who had another opportunity to level the score on 67 minutes, capitalising on a turnover from Iván Angulo.
Fire’s Maren Haile-Selassie picked up a loose ball in midfield, finding Cuypers at the top of the box, only for David Brekalo to get in a crucial interception.
After threatening a goal all evening, Hugo Cuypers finally breached the net on 70 minutes.
But he really shouldn’t have done.
After Haile-Selassie slid an inch-perfect pass behind Dagur Dan Thórhallsson to Arnaud Souquet down the left flank, the Frenchman cut the ball back to Cuypers inside the City box.
Not to be denied, the Belgian sent a one-touch shot past Pedro Gallese, slipping the ball right through El Pulpo’s fingertips.
Usually so adept at performing reaction saves with his cat-like reflexes, it was a super disappointing moment.
The expression on the Peruvian’s face said it all, with Gallese’s fall from grace being one of the most surprising stories across all of MLS this year.
From here, Fire and City both had chances to steal a win in the final quarter of the game.
Jonathan Dean and Brian Gutiérrez both flashed shots narrowly past Pedro Gallese’s goal while Luis Muriel nodded a Facundo Torres cross right into Chris Brady’s palms.
A 2020 MLS SuperDraft pick for Orlando City SC, former UCF Knights defender Dean would’ve been especially motivated to score.
Then, entering three minutes of second-half stoppage time, Ramiro Enrique showed City supporters what we’d been missing after time out injured.
Effortlessly shimmying past Mauricio Pineda and Fabian Herbers down the left wing, Enrique split the Fire duo with supreme skill.
He then set off on a fearless solo run forward that almost resulted in a game-winning golazo.
Also losing Carlos Terán en route to goal, the Argentine’s eventual strike sailed just inches wide of Chris Brady’s goal.
As Frank Klopas and Oscar Pareja shook hands after the 1-1 draw, it was evident that each point didn’t really help either side.
What’s at stake this time?
Following the midweek MLS action, Orlando City SC remain fourteenth in the Eastern Conference, tallying just 18 points from 18 games played.
While they didn’t play in midweek, New England Revolution’s recent three-game winning streak has seen them close to within just two points of the Lions.
Ultimately, Orlando City SC are looking nervously over their shoulder right now.
Currently trailing ninth place by only two points and seventh place by six points, there is still a possibility of Orlando City SC reaching the 2024 MLS Cup Playoffs.
But having scored the second-fewest goals (19) in all of Major League Soccer, and failing to secure back-to-back wins all season, even punching a ticket to the MLS Wild Card match requires an upturn in form and consistency.
Hopefully, Facundo Torres’ goal and “Star of the Match” performance at Charlotte FC gives him the confidence to start scoring more.
Following his missed penalty against Los Angeles FC last Saturday, El Cuervo desperately needed this goal to boost his morale.
He must now deliver a strong finish to the year after being a passenger all season long.
With César Araújo and Facundo Torres both missing out on Marcelo Bielsa’s 26-man Uruguay squad for the 2024 Copa América, Torres needs to carry more of a goal threat.
Especially considering that Duncan McGuire will soon be missing because of his involvement with the USMNT U-23 team at the 2024 Summer Olympics.
Not to mention if he seals a mid-season transfer away from Central Florida, as most people expect.
This is a big worry because Luis Muriel and Facundo Torres have only managed a measly five MLS goals between them this year.
Ultimately, the contributions from these two Designated Players haven’t been up to par, and they both need to make a significant improvement in the 16 MLS regular season fixtures that remain.
Opposition danger men
Having faced Chicago Fire just four MLS games ago, we’re well aware of the threats posed by Hugo Cuypers and Brian Gutiérrez.
Homegrown attacking midfielder Brian Gutiérrez has made over 90 MLS appearances for Chicago Fire despite being just 20-years-old.
Known for his excellent ball control, quick dribbling, and ability to create goalscoring opportunities, Gutiérrez is a talent for both the present and future.
While the jury was previously out on Hugo Cuypers who joined Chicago Fire from Gent for a club record $12 million in the off-season, the striker is starting to come good.
The 2022/23 Belgian Pro League Golden Boot winner only managed three goals in his first 12 MLS appearances.
But after equalising against the Lions back on May 29, the 27-year-old scored in his next two consecutive games against LA Galaxy (2-1) and Toronto FC (1-4), taking his current tally to six MLS goals.
There’s also former Lion Chris Mueller who was an unused substitute in this season’s first head-to-head.
Missing the entire second-half of 2023 due to a long-term hip injury, Mueller has made 12 MLS appearances this year but still awaits his first goal of the season.
If he figures this time, Mueller will be eager to perform well against Orlando City SC – the team that helped launch his MLS career.
Lastly, Xherdan Shaqiri would’ve been the obvious Fire danger man highlighted in this section but he’s currently away representing Switzerland at UEFA Euro 2024.
Yesterday, the 32-year-old proved he’s still got it by scoring a spectacular equaliser against Scotland in Group A.
Despite scoring 14 MLS goals and tallying 18 MLS assists so far, many Fire supporters have expressed frustration over Shaqiri’s inconsistency, attitude, and injuries.
Having said that, it appears Xherdan Shaqiri won’t be a Fire player for too much longer anyway.
On June 13, Tom Bogert tweeted that Chicago Fire want a clean break from Shaqiri who is aiming to return to Europe.
Injuries, international call-ups, and suspensions
Heading into this game, Michael Halliday (right knee) and young Homegrown Player Tahir Reid-Brown (left thigh) are definitely out for the Lions while Felipe Martins (left foot) is questionable.
Orlando City SC will also be missing these three players due to mid-season international call-ups.
| PLAYER | NATIONAL TEAM | REASON |
| David Brekalo | Slovenia | UEFA Euro 2024 |
| Pedro Gallese | Peru | 2024 Copa América |
| Wilder Cartagena | Peru | 2024 Copa América |
Duncan McGuire will soon be missing too because of his involvement with the USMNT U-23 team at the 2024 Summer Olympics.
Elsewhere, Ramiro Enrique is still questionable after missing the Los Angeles FC and Charlotte FC games due to a “personal matter”.
Speaking of Chicago Fire, Chase Gasper (leg), Andrew Gutman (leg), and Tobias Salquist (leg) are all definitely out while Federico Navarro (leg) is questionable.
As previously mentioned, Xherdan Shaqiri is missing too because he’s currently away representing Switzerland at UEFA Euro 2024.
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Orlando City SC vs Chicago Fire
Last 3 head-to-heads
- July 1, 2023: Orlando City SC 3 Chicago Fire 1 (MLS)
- August 20, 2023: Chicago Fire 1 Orlando City SC 3 (MLS)
- May 29, 2024: Chicago Fire 1 Orlando City SC 1 (MLS)
2015/24 head-to-head stats
- It was 1-1 the last time the sides met (May 2024)
- Played Fire 19 times in MLS – Orlando 7, Draws 7, Fire 5
- Facundo Torres has scored in Orlando’s last 3 MLS meetings with Fire (4 goals)
- This year, Orlando have failed to score in 4 of their 9 home fixtures in MLS
- Hugo Cuypers has scored in each of Fire’s last 3 MLS fixtures (3 goals)
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Watching the game
Orlando City SC vs Chicago Fire will be shown live on Apple TV at 00:30 (GMT) on Sunday, June 23.
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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