On Saturday, Orlando City SC sealed a mature and commanding 3-0 victory over New England Revolution, maintaining our strong push towards the 2024 MLS Cup Playoffs. Despite early pressure from Revs, City’s defence stood firm, and a stunning long-range strike from Rafael Santos along with a penalty from Facundo Torres and a goal from Duncan McGuire ensured a second successive 3-0 home win and a first-ever MLS regular season sweep over bogey side Revs!
Our sixth win in eight MLS games and the fifth time in seven that we’ve scored 3+ goals, the victory saw the Lions jump from seventh to fifth in the Eastern Conference, two points ahead of seventh-placed Charlotte FC. Now hosting Charlotte FC ourselves this Wednesday, completing a hat-trick of home wins would not only boost our playoff push but also our hopes of sealing a top four position and home field advantage in the Round One Best-of-3 Series of the 2024 MLS Cup Playoffs.
After all, fourth-placed New York Red Bulls slipped up by losing 2-1 at Chicago Fire, meaning Orlando City SC now only trail the New Jersey side by just three points. Given our current form and consistently strong performances from key players like Dagur Dan Thórhallsson, Wilder Cartagena, and Facundo Torres, there’s a tangible sense of optimism right now. With a late-season surge very much possible, securing a top four finish is most certainly within reach – and who would’ve said that only a few months ago?
As for Wednesday’s visitors Charlotte FC, Dean Smith’s side are coming off a 2-1 defeat at CF Montréal on Saturday. Conceding two quick-fire goals to Caden Clark (23) and Bryce Duke (26), a first-ever Charlotte FC goal by Tim Ream (35) made it a one-goal game but The Crown couldn’t find a leveller, meaning the Mint City side are now winless in their last five MLS fixtures (0-3-2).
Last time out
On Saturday, Orlando City SC put in a mighty impressive display against New England Revolution at Inter&Co Stadium, winning 3-0 to carry on our push to the 2024 MLS Cup Playoffs.
In the early exchanges, New England Revolution dominated possession as Orlando City SC set up in a compact shape to frustrate the visitors and hit them on the counter.
Revs created dangerous early moments, including a deflected cross by Giacomo Vrioni that led to a corner kick.
However, Orlando City SC’s defence stood strong, with Dagur Dan Thórhallsson making key blocks, especially against New England Revolution’s ever-dangerous Carles Gil.
Orlando City SC’s first chances came on 16 minutes when Martín Ojeda saw his shot blocked before Facundo Torres followed up with a scuffed effort that sailed over the bar.
This play seemed to spark the Lions into life, and they began to press forward with more intent.
Four minutes later, a long diagonal pass found Dagur Dan Thórhallsson on the right wing, setting up Ramiro Enrique for an audacious bicycle kick that just missed the target.
Our breakthrough came on 23 minutes however when Iván Angulo looked up and picked out Rafael Santos in space following a short City corner that was smartly worked.
Undoubtedly a strong Orlando City SC ‘Goal of the Season’ contender, Rafael Santos scored his first of the season, unleashing a long-range shot that soared beautifully into the top left corner (1-0).
A truly stunning strike from an unlikely goalscoring source, this goal shifted the momentum of the match, and Orlando City SC started to dominate.
Facundo Torres, in particular, grew in confidence, showcasing his skill with a clever dummy that nearly led to another chance moments later.
Despite Revs’ attempts to hit back, Orlando City SC’s defence remained solid.
Dagur Dan Thórhallsson continued to be a driving force, causing problems for New England Revolution’s teenage left back, Peyton Miller.
On 39 minutes, Tim Parker picked up a yellow card for time-wasting, as New England struggled to regain control of the match.
Revs had one last chance before the break when Carles Gil wriggled away from Wilder Cartagena and found Peyton Miller on the left wing, but the youngster’s cross sailed harmlessly wide.
Orlando City SC then created another golden opportunity through Ramiro Enrique, whose skilful dribbling nearly led to a second goal, only for Dave Romney to make a crucial last ditch interception.
Just before the half, Orlando City SC were awarded a timely penalty when Carles Gil’s right arm made contact with the ball after Martín Ojeda skipped past him.
The look of resignation on Carles Gil’s face said it all!
There were no arguments from the Spaniard and he knew it was a penalty.
With referee Tori Penso pointing immediately to the spot, Facundo Torres stepped up and mercilessly blasted his penalty high and handsomely past Aljaž Ivačič into the top right corner (2-0).
This goal means Facundo Torres (42) is now only two goals away from tying Cyle Larin (44) as Orlando City SC’s all-time leading goalscorer across all competitions.
It was also El Cuervo’s 15th goal across all competitions this year, surpassing his total goals (14) from last season (2023).
Facu’s slow start to 2024 and his Copa América snub are now well and truly behind him!
Entering half-time with a 53% to 47% possession advantage and a two-goal lead, Orlando City SC would’ve entered the locker room mighty content with their first-half efforts.
The second-half kicked off with Orlando City SC attacking towards The Wall, a rare but welcome sight at home.
Despite the Lions’ two-goal advantage, we were determined to press further.
On 55 minutes, Facundo Torres nearly landed a knockout blow with a blistering run and shot that ricocheted off Aljaž Ivačič’s near post.
Sensing the urgency to respond, New England Revolution pushed forward with Carles Gil still proving a constant threat.
On 61 minutes, the Spaniard’s free-kick looked destined for the net, only for Pedro Gallese to produce a stunning save, tipping the ball wide with a remarkable one-handed flex of his tentacles!
It was a fitting night for Gallese to make such a fine stop, since it was El Pulpo’s 150th appearance for Orlando City SC across all competitions, making him the third player in club history to reach this milestone.
This vital moment kept Orlando City SC’s clean sheet intact, much to the relief of César Araújo, who had needlessly shoulder barged Carles Gil to concede this dangerous chance.
As the Revs continued to dominate possession, Robin Jansson epitomised the Lions’ defensive resilience, executing a crucial tackle to deny Esmir Bajraktarević.
Recently earning his first senior cap for Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bajraktarević was brought on as a substitute by assistant coach Pablo Moreira, who was filling in on the touchline for Revs head coach Caleb Porter, serving a one-match suspension from the stands at Inter&Co Stadium.
Moments later, Giacomo Vrioni came close to pulling one back for New England Revolution, narrowly missing the target after opportunistically connecting with a deflected Carles Gil cross into City’s box.
Orlando City SC then turned to their bench, with Duncan McGuire and Nicolás Lodeiro entering the fray on 69 minutes.
To Oscar Pareja’s delight, both substitutes combined and made an instant impact, as Lodeiro set up McGuire with a clever pass down the right wing on 74 minutes.
Duncan McGuire displayed sheer determination to make a lung-busting drive forward from inside his own half, timing his run to perfection and connecting perfectly with Nicolás Lodeiro’s fine pass before sending a powerful shot through Aljaž Ivačič’s body and into the net (3-0).
Performing his trademark somersaulting celebration in front of The Wall, McGuire’s goal sealed the victory beyond all doubt.
This was Duncan McGuire’s first MLS goal since June 28 and a strike that sent the home crowd into raptures!
By assisting McGuire’s goal, Nicolás Lodeiro recorded his 11th assist this MLS regular season and his 13th across all competitions, setting a new club record for the most assists in a single season.
Assisting team-mates comes effortlessly to Nico and it’s a skill he’s mastered over the course of his entire career!
From here, Luis Muriel, Felipe Martins, and Yutaro Tsukada were all subbed on by Oscar Pareja to provide extra energy in the closing stages.
Not disrupting our flow or rhythm, the Lions continued to manage the game maturely, with Wilder Cartagena coming close to adding a fourth late on.
Following our 3-0 win over Nashville SC, this second successive 3-0 victory showcased Orlando City SC’s ability to score goals at will.
Indeed, City have now netted 3+ goals in five of their last seven MLS fixtures!
A complete team effort, our 3-0 triumph over Revs was a fantastic way to keep our momentum going.
The win not only marked the Lions’ first-ever MLS regular season sweep over New England Revolution but also continued City’s impressive run of form, with six wins in our last eight MLS matches.
For me, Dagur Dan Thórhallsson deserves immense credit for his relentless work from right back, or should I say right wing.
Staying high up the field for 90+ minutes, Dagur Dan consistently made intelligent underlapping and overlapping runs, creating overloads that left New England Revolution, and especially Peyton Miller, unsure of how to defend against him.
Thórhallsson’s energy and positioning were key to Orlando City SC’s attacking threat throughout the game.
A special shout-out also goes to Wilder Cartagena who was absolutely everywhere too!
Putting out fires all across the pitch in trademark fashion, the tireless Peruvian didn’t look fatigued at all despite recent international duty with Los Incas in South America.
Lastly, after our 3-0 victory over New England Revolution on Saturday, Oscar Pareja tied Dominic Kinnear (170) for the fifth-most regular season wins by a head coach in MLS history.
Last head-to-head
Last facing Charlotte FC back on June 19, 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!
Back on 11 minutes however, 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 earlier this season, this was the worst possible start for a downtrodden Orlando City SC.
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).
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!
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 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 up to that point.
Despite Charlotte FC having the best home record in the East (6-4-1), it was another disappointing night for the Lions.
What’s at stake this time?
After Saturday’s MLS action, Orlando City SC have climbed two places from seventh to fifth in the Eastern Conference standings.
Winning six of our last eight MLS fixtures, it’s full steam ahead as we push to make the 2024 MLS Cup Playoffs!
Reflecting on Saturday’s MLS results, it was yet another fantastic weekend for the Lions – not just because of our victory, but also due to three favourable results elsewhere.
Right now, the Lions are level on points (40) with sixth-placed New York City FC who could only draw 1-1 at D.C. United on Saturday.
With NYCFC having played the same number of games (28) as Orlando City SC, the Lions are now two points ahead of seventh-placed Charlotte FC too.
Dean Smith’s side fell 2-1 to CF Montréal on Saturday, allowing City to gain crucial ground before we host Charlotte FC this Wednesday.
As if New York City FC and Charlotte FC dropping points wasn’t satisfying enough, fourth-placed New York Red Bulls also lost 2-1 at Chicago Fire.
This means Orlando City SC now trail the Red Bulls – and a top four position – by just three points!
Looking down the table, Orlando City SC are currently seven points ahead of ninth-placed D.C. United, who currently occupy the final MLS Wild Card match spot.
While this is a decent cushion, it’s not insurmountable with six MLS regular season fixtures still to play.
After our 3-0 defeat at Sporting Kansas City following the 2024 Leagues Cup break, we knew that we had to take full advantage of our three-game home streak at Inter&Co Stadium.
After back-to-back 3-0 wins over Nashville SC and New England Revolution, it would be fantastic to complete a hat-trick of home victories by defeating Charlotte FC and securing all three points against an Eastern Conference rival in the playoff chase.
And who knows?
Given our timely run of form, we might just make a late surge for a coveted top four position and secure home field advantage in the Round One Best-of-3 Series of the 2024 MLS Cup Playoffs.
Who’d have thought that earlier this season?
Finishing in the top four seemed unthinkable all season, but now it’s back within reach, it’s no longer an impossible goal!
Reassuringly, since June 1, across all competitions, Facundo Torres (10 goals, 6 assists), Martín Ojeda (4 goals, 5 assists), and Ramiro Enrique (6 goals, 1 assist) have all been on fire.
With this South American trio playing with supreme confidence, hopefully their combined goal contributions can push us to the post-season promised land.
Opposition danger men
For much of the year, Charlotte FC have only had one Designated Player in their ranks – Liel Abada.
But they went back up to two when Karol Świderski returned from his Hellas Verona loan in July.
Having spent all of 2022 and 2023 with Charlotte FC, Świderski had logged 22 goals and 10 assists in 61 MLS appearances for the Mint City side.
And this year, the Polish international striker picked up from where he left off by scoring a penalty in a 2-2 draw at Austin FC back on July 20.
Considering this was Karol Świderski’s first MLS game since his stint in Serie A, his goalscoring prowess is a big threat to Orlando City SC in this game.
Elsewhere, young forward Patrick Agyemang is currently enjoying a solid breakout season in MLS.
While he was on the fringes of Charlotte FC’s first team roster last year, 6 ft 4 in Agyemang has certainly made 2024 his own.
Still raw, he’s certainly taken veteran MLS defenders by surprise with his brute strength and direct attacking style.
Scoring seven goals and tallying three assists so far this MLS season, Patrick Agyemang’s rise is part of the reason that CLTFC decided to sell former Designated Player Enzo Copetti to Rosario Central in May.
This situation is reminiscent of Orlando City SC parting ways with Ercan Kara midway through last season, prompted by Duncan McGuire’s meteoric rise as a rookie.
Club captain Ashley Westwood is another steady, if not spectacular member of Charlotte FC’s squad.
Taking free-kicks and corners for the Queen City side, former Aston Villa midfielder Westwood has enjoyed his time in MLS so far and definitely makes Charlotte FC tick in the centre of the park.
As for Designated Player Liel Abada, the Israel international winger arrived in North Carolina with considerable fanfare.
With Charlotte FC investing a reported £8 million to secure his signature from Celtic, Abada has endured an injury-hit first season in MLS.
Returning to first team action in May after a thigh strain, Liel Abada showcased his talent by scoring a brace in Charlotte FC’s 2-3 statement win at Atlanta United on June 2.
New opposition faces
Since Orlando City SC last faced Charlotte FC, Dean Smith’s side have been very active in the MLS Secondary Transfer Window.
On August 7, Charlotte FC signed experienced USMNT centre back Tim Ream from Fulham after he made 312 appearances for The Cottagers across all competitions.
Then, on August 12, it looked as if Charlotte FC were going to sign Dutch attacking midfielder / winger Calvin Stengs from Feyenoord for $8 million.
However, the Stengs deal collapsed at the eleventh hour.
Just two days later, Miguel Almirón’s proposed transfer to Charlotte FC fell through as well.
Newcastle United had a verbal agreement with Charlotte FC, but the deal collapsed after the player and his agent demanded higher wages.
In response, Charlotte FC lowered their offer to $9 million (£7 million) – a figure that was deemed too low by the Magpies.
Stengs and Almirón certainly would’ve been game-changing signings for the North Carolina side, but these marquee moves weren’t to be.
That said, Charlotte FC didn’t rest on their laurels – far from it!
They signed Pep Biel on loan from Olympiacos just before the MLS Secondary Transfer Window closed.
The Spanish attacking midfielder became Charlotte FC’s third Designated Player after Liel Abada and Karol Świderski.
Then, on August 21, Charlotte FC signed Israeli youth international forward Idan Toklomati from Maccabi Petah Tikva for around $3.5 million.
While Toklomati is being nurtured with Charlotte FC’s second team, Crown Legacy FC, Jamie Paterson has been another first team arrival.
On August 22, Charlotte FC signed English winger Paterson as a free agent.
The 32-year-old left Swansea City at the end of 2023/24 with Dean Smith having previously managed Paterson at Walsall.
Injuries, new signings, and suspensions
Heading into this game, Mason Stajduhar (right lower leg) and David Brekalo (right thigh) are definitely out for the Lions.
Brekalo missed Saturday’s game against New England Revolution due to some “last-minute muscular discomfort” and he’s still not ready to return.
Elsewhere, City supporters are curious and a bit puzzled about when new signing Heine Gikling Bruseth will be available.
Despite being signed from Kristiansund back on August 20, the Norway Under-21 international midfielder hasn’t been a part of City’s matchday squad for our games against Sporting Kansas City, Nashville SC or New England Revolution.
With Bruseth not suspected to be nursing an injury, we await further news regarding his inclusion, or lack thereof.
As for Charlotte FC, former Orlando City B defender Jahlane Forbes (hip) is definitely out while Patrick Agyemang (foot) is questionable.
All other members of Dean Smith’s squad are fit and available for selection though.
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Orlando City SC vs Charlotte FC
Last 3 head-to-heads
- May 9, 2023: Charlotte FC 1 Orlando City SC 0 (2023 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup)
- August 30, 2023: Charlotte FC 1 Orlando City SC 1 (MLS)
- June 19, 2024: Charlotte FC 2 Orlando City SC 2 (MLS)
2015/24 head-to-head stats
- It was 2-2 the last time the sides met (June 2024)
- Played Charlotte 5 times in MLS – Orlando 2, Draws 2, Charlotte 1
- Martín Ojeda has scored in 2 of the last 3 MLS head-to-heads (2 goals)
- Orlando have scored 3+ goals in 5 of their last 7 MLS fixtures
- Charlotte have only won 1 of their last 8 MLS fixtures (1-3-4)
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Watching the game
Orlando City SC vs Charlotte FC will be shown live on Apple TV at 01:15 (GMT) on Thursday, September 19.
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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