On Saturday, Orlando City SC showcased their resilience, bouncing back from our 4-3 defeat at Columbus Crew with an impressive 1-3 victory at FC Dallas. This win not only secured the Lions’ place in the 2024 MLS Cup Playoffs. It also marked the fifth consecutive season that Oscar Pareja has successfully guided Orlando City SC into the post-season – an accomplishment achieved every single year under his leadership! Truly, his track record speaks volumes, and it’s moments like these that remind us just how valuable his experience and vision have been.
Beyond this milestone, the victory was also historic, as it represented the first-ever time that Orlando City SC have won (and scored) away at FC Dallas. Goals from Ramiro Enrique, Rodrigo Schlegel, and Facundo Torres ensured a memorable night in Frisco, Texas. Ultimately, it was a performance that showcased both the depth and determination of the squad, underlining our intent to make a deep run in this year’s playoffs.
City currently sit fourth in the Eastern Conference with 46 points from 31 games played. For now, the Lions have reclaimed that all-important home field advantage for the Round One Best-of-3 Series in the 2024 MLS Cup Playoffs. However, with teams like New York City FC and New York Red Bulls still hot on our heels, our final three MLS regular season fixtures will be crucial. As Orlando City SC continue their quest for a top four finish, Pareja’s proven leadership will be more essential than ever.
As for Wednesday’s opponents Philadelphia Union, they’ve had a surprisingly underwhelming 2024 season by their usual high standards. Currently playing catch-up, they sit ninth in the Eastern Conference and occupy the final MLS Wild Card match slot, but only by goal difference. Jim Curtin’s side arrive at Inter&Co Stadium following a 1-1 draw with Atlanta United on Saturday where Saba Lobjanidze’s equaliser cancelled out Nathan Harriel’s well-taken opener. This was Union’s first draw in eight MLS games, but they’ve still managed to win five of their last eight in a late push for the playoffs.
Given Oscar Pareja’s combined 20 years at FC Dallas as a player, assistant coach, and head coach, Toyota Stadium was a special venue for Papi to secure post-season qualification with his new passion, Orlando City SC. By clinching our spot in the 2024 MLS Cup playoffs, Orlando City SC have become one of just three active MLS teams to reach the post-season in five consecutive seasons. I mean, should we ever doubt Papi in the regular season? With this mission accomplished, our focus now shifts to sealing a top four finish and building confidence ahead of another post-season challenge. In past years, rash decisions, hot-headedness, and red cards have been our downfall, so all eyes will be on Orlando City SC to see if we’ve truly learned from previous shortcomings in the playoffs.
Last time out
On Saturday, Orlando City SC bounced back in style, notching a vital 1-3 win against FC Dallas at Toyota Stadium.
Significantly, this impressive road victory saw the Lions clinch their spot in the 2024 MLS Cup Playoffs!
Ultimately, Oscar Pareja has now steered the City ship to the post-season for a fifth consecutive season, which is every single year under his leadership!
Beyond this feat, the 1-3 win also marked another historic moment, as it was the first-ever time that Orlando City SC have won away at FC Dallas.
On the night, goals from Ramiro Enrique, Rodrigo Schlegel, and Facundo Torres ensured it was a game to remember in Frisco, Texas.
Oscar Pareja’s starting lineup included Pedro Gallese between the sticks, shielded by a back four of Kyle Smith, Rodrigo Schlegel, Robin Jansson, and Rafael Santos.
While Smith deputised for Dagur Dan Thórhallsson, who was sidelined due to injury, César Araújo returned to the midfield alongside Wilder Cartagena following his one-match suspension.
In attack, Iván Angulo, Martín Ojeda, and Facundo Torres sat behind Ramiro Enrique, who replaced Duncan McGuire up top.
The Lions dominated possession in the first-half, though they struggled to turn control into clear-cut chances.
Sloppy play and misplaced passes often broke down promising moves, and Orlando City SC’s crossing lacked precision at times.
FC Dallas threatened first when Petar Musa shot narrowly over the crossbar on 15 minutes.
But Orlando City SC found the breakthrough on 18 minutes when Rafael Santos delivered a perfect cross to the near post.
With an impressive swivel of his neck muscles, 5 ft 7 in Ramiro Enrique rose highest to glance a really smart header past goalkeeper Maarten Paes (0-1).
This gave the Lions their first-ever away goal at FC Dallas on their fourth visit to Toyota Stadium.
Moments later, Martín Ojeda almost doubled the lead, forcing a save from Paes.
FC Dallas pushed back, with Paul Arriola testing Pedro Gallese, but the Lions’ defence stood firm.
The first-half closed with Orlando City SC leading FC Dallas in both possession (60% to 40%) and shots (4 to 3).
Despite FC Dallas reshaping their lineup in the second-half, Orlando City SC doubled their lead on 51 minutes.
A well-placed corner from Martín Ojeda found Rodrigo Schlegel who powerfully bulleted a header into the top right corner (0-2).
It was a fantastic connection from Schlegel, marking his first goal of this MLS regular season.
FC Dallas sought to claw back through former Lion Ruan’s dangerous cross, but Orlando City SC countered swiftly.
It was actually Ruan who then conspired to help his former team, sloppily surrendering possession within his own half.
A super determined Ramiro Enrique then pounced on the backpedalling Brazilian and threaded a neat reverse pass into Facundo Torres, who coolly slotted home on 55 minutes (0-3).
This goal was mighty significant as it saw Torres draw level with Cyle Larin (44) as Orlando City SC’s all-time leading goalscorer across all competitions.
Facu deserves huge praise for reaching this fantastic milestone in just under three seasons!
Despite our handsome 0-3 advantage, we had to weather a late surge from FC Dallas.
On 78 minutes, Paul Arriola converted a late penalty after Nicolás Lodeiro committed a foul inside the box (1-3).
FC Dallas even had the ball in the net again, celebrating what they thought was a second goal, but it was disallowed due to an offside call on Arriola.
Though FC Dallas piled on the pressure, Pedro Gallese’s saves ensured Orlando City SC’s victory.
Despite missed opportunities to extend the lead, Orlando City SC left Texas with three precious points, securing our playoff berth and showcasing the character needed to succeed in the post-season.
Last head-to-head
Orlando City SC last faced Philadelphia Union in MLS back on May 11 with the Lions achieving a much-needed morale-boosting 2-3 victory away from home.
On the night, Oscar Pareja’s starting lineup definitely raised eyebrows among City supporters.
Experimenting with a rare 3-5-2 shape, Wilder Cartagena started at centre back for the first time ever with Iván Angulo and Facundo Torres operating as right and left wing backs.
Granted, Papi was forced into some changes with Rafael Santos (right shoulder) and Rodrigo Schlegel (suspension) both missing, and Dagur Dan Thórhallsson (concussion protocol) only fit enough for the subs bench.
Nevertheless, his decision to start all of Nicolás Lodeiro, Martín Ojeda, Duncan McGuire and Luis Muriel looked extremely bold at best and a kamikaze decision at worst!
The early signs weren’t good with Philadelphia Union taking the lead through Mikael Uhre on 12 minutes (1-0).
The seventh goal that Orlando City SC had conceded within the opening 15 minutes of MLS games by that point, Oscar Pareja would’ve been super frustrated with the way in which Union scored off the second phase of a corner.
With Uhre dispatching within the Lions’ 18-yard box, Orlando City SC afforded the Dane way too much room.
This play ruthlessly punished our nervous defensive display in the opening exchanges.
Caught flat footed defensively several times early on, a big reaction was required, especially after all the adversity of our poor start to 2024.
Thankfully, a super attacking Orlando City SC side reassuringly grew into the game thereafter.
All gas no brakes in terms of our lineup, tactics, and approach, City hit back with a much-needed equaliser just nine minutes after Mikael Uhre’s opener.
On 21 minutes, Nicolás Lodeiro got to the Union byline and whipped in a devilish left-footed cross.
A cross that Duncan McGuire needed no second opportunity to gobble up, Big Dunc headed home past Oliver Semmle from point-blank range (1-1).
It was a moment of relief for Nico because our number #14 just delivered a poor flat corner that hit the first Union man only seconds earlier.
The first-half ebbed and flowed from this point with Orlando City SC carrying more of a dangerous attacking threat with the wind in their sails.
On 40 minutes, Martín Ojeda sent a cross into the Union box, a cross that José Martínez definitely appeared to handle.
After VAR review however, the play was not deemed ‘a clear and obvious error’ with referee Timothy Ford’s baffling no-call denying Orlando City SC a clear penalty.
Just as Orlando City SC supporters were drowning into that sinking feeling yet again, we went from pure frustration to pure joy only a matter of seconds later!
On the banks of the Delaware River, Subaru Park was shell-shocked on 41 minutes when Luis Muriel FINALLY scored his first-ever Orlando City SC goal – and how!
After Nicolás Lodeiro spotted the Colombian striker on the edge of the Philadelphia Union box, Muriel caught the Union defence napping when unleashing an unstoppable unerring strike from range (1-2).
Sailing high past Oliver Semmle into his right hand side netting, it was a devastating golazo that had been a long time coming for Luis Muriel.
10 MLS appearances to be precise!
Orlando City SC supporter patience was certainly running thin during Muriel’s goal drought, so it was a huge relief to see him open his account.
On the night, Orlando City SC players raced towards Muriel and celebrated with him in pure ecstasy in a moment that we had all been waiting for from our big name Designated Player.
Nicolás Lodeiro’s assist for Muriel’s first MLS goal was significant too.
Nico’s second of a highly impressive three assists in the game, this one sealed Lodeiro’s 15th career multi-assist game, the most among active players and tied for the seventh-most in MLS history.
Heading into half-time with a precious 1-2 lead, Orlando City SC didn’t have to wait too long to score their third of the night.
As the popular English saying goes, you can wait ages and ages for one London bus to arrive and then two come at once!
This was exactly the case for Luis Muriel who was quick and super composed to clinically slot home a smart Nicolás Lodeiro pass on an Orlando City SC breakaway right from kick-off in the second-half (1-3).
A refreshing twist considering that FC Cincinnati’s Luciano Acosta had scored right from kick-off in the first-half only a game prior, it took Muriel just 20 seconds to extend Orlando City SC’s lead!
On 66 minutes, Orlando City SC’s task became much harder though after the ruthless Dániel Gazdag converted yet another penalty kick to make it a one-goal game (2-3).
A penalty awarded after Nicolás Lodeiro committed a handball in the Orlando box, referee Timothy Ford only gave Union the spot kick after VAR review.
Interesting that Ford spotted this one but turned a blind eye to José Martínez’s clear handball in the first-half!
To compound our anguish, club captain Robin Jansson was stretchered off the pitch after taking a hit in the box only moments before Gazdag’s PK with Kyle Smith having to replace the Swede in a makeshift back three containing David Brekalo, Wilder Cartagena, and Smith himself.
As expected, Philadelphia Union piled on the pressure from this point, but Orlando City SC thought that they had landed a sucker punch on 74 minutes.
As Duncan McGuire raced clear through on Oliver Semmle’s goal, former Inter Miami centre back Damion Lowe stuck out a long leg to bring down our number #13, resulting in an immediate red card.
Initially looking like a foul and a clear denial of a goalscoring opportunity (DOGSO), the play went to VAR review only for Timothy Ford to agonisingly rule that Jamaican international Lowe got the slightest of touches to the ball, rescinding his red card in turn.
A huge let off for the home side, indeed!
On 86 minutes, Philadelphia Union got yet another helping hand from Timothy Ford when Quinn Sullivan conned the referee into awarding Union a late penalty to equalise.
Throwing himself to the ground theatrically after minimal contact from Iván Angulo, Ford passed up the opportunity to consult VAR review with Dániel Gazdag stepping up to take his second penalty kick of the night.
Understandably furious, Orlando City SC players surrounded Timothy Ford in dissent while smartly attempting to delay Gazdag’s spot kick.
In the end, these dark arts paid off with Pedro Gallese getting two huge palms to the Hungarian international’s second penalty of the game.
With Dániel Gazdag displaying a rare lack of composure to blast Gallese’s parried rebound high over the bar, this flashpoint was hugely significant for both teams.
Having converted 21 penalty kicks for Union in MLS – and 11 from 11 last season – this was Dániel Gazdag’s FIRST-EVER penalty miss in the league.
As for Gallese, El Pulpo came in clutch when it really mattered and truthfully speaking, he really needed this moment to properly launch his campaign after an uncharacteristically sloppy start to 2024.
In saving Gazdag’s penalty and preserving Orlando City SC’s precious lead, this helped Pedro Gallese to reach 50 career MLS regular season wins.
A fist-pumping moment for Orlando City SC players and supporters, there must’ve been an outpouring of cheer in front of TVs in every Central Florida living room from Davenport to Sanford!
From here, Orlando City SC remarkably navigated FIFTEEN, yes fifteen minutes of second-half stoppage time to seal a super memorable victory.
The longest overtime period I’ve ever seen Orlando City SC manoeuvre, it was super sweet to tough it out, overcome referee Timothy Ford’s clear favouritism, and leave Subaru Park with our precious lead still intact.
Honestly, it seemed for the world like Ford wasn’t content until he helped Union level the score!
After a really tough start to 2024, this was a huge, huge win in terms of confidence and belief moving forward.
What’s at stake this time?
It’s now time to put that ‘- x’ in your Twitter (X) names, #OCTwitter fam!
Following Orlando City SC’s 1-3 victory at FC Dallas, we’ve officially clinched our spot in the 2024 MLS Cup Playoffs, securing a post-season berth for the fifth consecutive year under Oscar Pareja and his coaching staff’s guidance.
It’s truly an exciting time to be an Orlando soccer supporter, with Orlando Pride and Orlando City B also qualifying for the playoffs this year, making it the first time that all three teams have reached the post-season together!
Right now, the Lions sit fourth in the Eastern Conference with 46 points from 31 games played.
Our 1-3 win at FC Dallas was crucial as it saw us leapfrog New York Red Bulls back into fourth place, regaining that all-important home advantage in the Round One Best-of-3 Series of the 2024 MLS Cup Playoffs.
However, the battle for a top four finish is far from over.
New York City FC, now fifth in the East, are just two points behind Orlando City SC after thumping their rivals New York Red Bulls 1-5 at Red Bull Arena.
A Hudson River Derby that left Red Bulls absolutely shell-shocked, The Pigeons are breathing down our necks, having played the same number of games (31) as City.
This damaging defeat not only saw Red Bulls drop from fourth to sixth but kept them on 44 points – just two points behind us.
They too have played 31 games, making it clear how tight this race for top four seeding truly is.
Elsewhere, Charlotte FC earned a respectable 1-1 draw away at Inter Miami with Lionel Messi’s equaliser cancelling out Karol Świderski’s second-half opener.
Currently seventh in the East with 42 points from 31 games, The Crown are comfortably in the last automatic qualification spot for the 2024 MLS Cup Playoffs.
Charlotte FC currently hold a five-point cushion over both Toronto FC (eighth place) and Philadelphia Union (ninth place), who each have 37 points and occupy the two MLS Wild Card match slots – for now.
Meanwhile, CF Montréal are also on 37 points in tenth place, hot on the heels of Toronto FC and Union, but their inferior goal difference currently keeps them out of the playoff picture.
It’s worth noting that Toronto FC have played one game more (32) than all the other Eastern playoff contenders and won’t be in action on 2024 MLS Decision Day.
As it stands, Orlando City SC are four points clear of Charlotte FC, but every slip-up from now could prove costly, with plenty of playoff contenders eager to pounce.
Reassuringly, since June 1, Orlando City SC’s attack has been on fire.
In this timeframe, across all competitions, Facundo Torres (12 goals, 7 assists), Martín Ojeda (4 goals, 7 assists), and Ramiro Enrique (8 goals, 2 assists) have all stepped up, with Ojeda and Torres finally clicking in their respective roles.
This newfound chemistry couldn’t have come at a better time, as it gives us the firepower to challenge for what we hope is our deepest playoff run yet.
Reflecting on our regular season so far, Orlando City SC managed just 17 goals in our first 17 MLS games of 2024.
However, in our last 14 games, we’ve netted 36 goals, leaving us just two shy of our single-season club record (55) that was set in both 2016 and 2023.
Talk about a turnaround!
Moreover, Orlando City SC are now unbeaten in nine straight home matches (6-3-0) across all competitions, keeping clean sheets in each of our last four fixtures at Inter&Co Stadium.
Significantly, this is the first time in club history that City have kept clean sheets in four straight home matches (all competitions).
Ultimately, our destiny remains in our own hands.
Can Orlando City SC secure that coveted top four finish and enter the playoffs with home field advantage?
We’ll soon find out as every point counts in this crucial stage of the season.
Following our Texas road trip, our focus now shifts to sealing a top four finish and building confidence ahead of another post-season challenge.
In past years, rash decisions, hot-headedness, and red cards have been our downfall, so all eyes will be on Orlando City SC to see if we’ve truly learned from previous shortcomings in the playoffs.
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 57 goals and 28 assists for Union.
In all competitions, Gazdag has now scored 70 goals for Union, becoming their all-time leading goalscorer and surpassing club legend Sébastien Le Toux (50 goals) in the process.
Notably, 23 of Dániel Gazdag’s MLS goals have been penalty kicks, showcasing his sterling reputation for converting in crucial moments.
In fact, the only MLS penalty Gazdag has missed was against Orlando City SC in this year’s first head-to-head (2-3).
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.
So far this MLS season, Gazdag has 17 goals but surprisingly just two assists to his name.
Elsewhere, Tai Baribo was part of Union’s 2023 roster, but the Israel international striker has truly made his mark this year.
In fact, he’s been on fire!
Helping fill the void left by Julián Carranza, who Union sold to Feyenoord on June 30, Baribo has scored nine goals so far this MLS season.
Tai Baribo was also the top goalscorer in the 2024 Leagues Cup too, scoring seven times during the tournament.
Last but not least, Baribo’s strike partner Mikael Uhre is another dangerous threat in his own right.
So far this MLS regular season, the 6 ft 2 in Danish striker has 10 goals and five assists to his name, and is equally adept at scoring with both his head and his feet.
If you give Mikael Uhre an inch, he’ll take a mile!
Currently on 32 goals and 15 assists in his MLS career, Uhre is another player we’ll need to defend very carefully.
New opposition faces
Back on May 9, Philadelphia Union announced the signing of 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 made his MLS debut against New England Revolution back on July 17.
With Union already 5-1 up at the time, Sullivan replaced Tai Baribo from the bench on 85 minutes.
In doing so, he became the youngest player in MLS history at a remarkable 14 years and 293 days!
This surpassed the previous record held by Freddy Adu who debuted with D.C. United at 14 years and 306 days back on April 3, 2004.
Given Philadelphia Union’s unexpectedly poor 2024 season, young Cavan Sullivan might find himself with more first team opportunities before the year is out.
Elsewhere, back on July 18, Philadelphia Union acquired Samuel Adeniran from St. Louis CITY SC in exchange for a guaranteed $150,000 in 2024 General Allocation Money, plus $300,000 in additional add-ons.
The 25-year-old American striker has made six MLS appearances for Union so far but still awaits his first league goal for Jim Curtin’s side.
On August 6, Philadelphia Union II midfielder CJ Olney was promoted to Jim Curtin’s first team, much like goalkeeper Andrew Rick back on May 4.
Signing a Homegrown Player contract through 2028, 17-year-old Olney is the latest talent to emerge from Union’s renowned academy.
And lastly, on August 8, Philadelphia Union signed Haiti international midfielder Danley Jean Jacques from French Ligue 2 side FC Metz.
Jean Jacques was effectively the replacement for José Martínez who Union sold to Corinthians on August 26.
Injuries and suspensions
Heading into this game, Mason Stajduhar (right lower leg) and David Brekalo (right thigh) are definitely out for the Lions.
Dagur Dan Thórhallsson (left lower leg) is also out, and City supporters are hoping for a swift recovery, as the Icelander has been one of our most consistent performers all season.
Elsewhere, new boy Heine Gikling Bruseth still awaits his MLS debut after being an unused substitute against Charlotte FC (2-0), Columbus Crew (4-3), and FC Dallas (1-3).
As for Philadelphia Union, only Isaiah LeFlore (knee) is definitely out, leaving Jim Curtin with a virtually fully fit roster to choose from.
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Orlando City SC vs Philadelphia Union
Last 3 head-to-heads
- March 25, 2023: Philadelphia Union 1 Orlando City SC 2 (MLS)
- June 21, 2023: Orlando City SC 2 Philadelphia Union 2 (MLS)
- May 11, 2024: Philadelphia Union 2 Orlando City SC 3 (MLS)
2015/24 head-to-head stats
- It was 2-3 to Orlando the last time the sides met (May 2024)
- Played Union 19 times in MLS – Orlando 6, Draws 5, Union 8
- Both sides have scored in 11 of the last 12 head-to-heads across all competitions
- Orlando have scored 2 or more goals in 12 of their last 14 MLS fixtures
- Union have won 2 of their last 3 away fixtures in MLS
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Watching the game
Orlando City SC vs Philadelphia Union will be shown live on Apple TV at 00:30 (GMT) on Thursday, October 3.
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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