Orlando City SC are simply on fire right now! Extending our strong run of form last night, City secured a vital 2-1 victory over Philadelphia Union at Inter&Co Stadium. This win not only completed a 2024 season sweep over Jim Curtin’s Philadelphia Union, but also marked a milestone for Facundo Torres, who became Orlando City SC’s all-time leading goalscorer (45) across all competitions. Impressively, it was also our fourth consecutive home victory in the MLS regular season, extending our unbeaten run at home to 10 matches (7-3-0) across all competitions. With a top four finish still ours to lose, the Lions remain firmly in the hunt for home field advantage in the Round One Best-of-3 Series of the 2024 MLS Cup Playoffs.
Following yesterday’s win, Orlando City SC remain fourth in the Eastern Conference with 49 points from 32 games. In fact, no side has won more points (27) in MLS since the beginning of July than the Lions. But with New York City FC and New York Red Bulls just two points behind us, our lead is far from secure as all three teams get set to contest their final two MLS regular season fixtures. NYCFC’s 3-2 win over FC Cincinnati yesterday propelled them to 47 points, while Red Bulls matched that total by thrashing Toronto FC 1-4 at BMO Field. It was a strong way to bounce back from a humiliating 1-5 home defeat to New York City FC last weekend in the Hudson River Derby.
Given how tight the current standings are, this makes every remaining point crucial as Orlando City SC aim to secure a second successive top four seeding in the post-season. With last night’s 3-2 defeat at NYCFC, Saturday’s opponents FC Cincinnati (56 points) missed the chance to overtake Ohio rivals Columbus Crew (57 points), who slipped up with a 2-3 home defeat to Inter Miami. A victory that saw The Herons unfortunately crowned 2024 Supporters’ Shield champions, FC Cincinnati and Columbus Crew are currently jockeying for second place. Despite goals from Luciano Acosta and Corey Baird, Pat Noonan’s FC Cincinnati fell short at NYCFC and they’ll be eager to respond against Orlando City SC at a boisterous TQL Stadium.
But under the pressure of securing a top four finish, City’s attack has thrived, with Facundo Torres, Martín Ojeda, and Ramiro Enrique making significant contributions since June. Despite Orlando City SC scoring just 17 goals in our first 17 MLS games of 2024, we’ve netted 38 in the last 15, matching 2016 and 2023’s joint club record of 55 goals in a single MLS regular season. With Orlando City SC now set to contest our final away fixture of the regular season, the Lions should be feeling mighty confident, especially given our ability to dominate or grind out results.
Oscar Pareja, the coaching staff, and players deserve massive credit for this tactical versatility and for peaking at the right time, much like we did last season. When you combine regular goalscoring with defensive discipline – as we are right now – this is the winning formula! With our post-season spot already secured, all eyes are on Orlando City SC to maintain our top four position and build momentum for what we hope is our deepest playoff run yet! And who knows, maybe, just maybe lifting the 2024 MLS Cup?
Last time out
Orlando City SC continued their strong run of form last night, securing a vital 2-1 victory over Philadelphia Union at Inter&Co Stadium.
With a top four finish still City’s to lose, we remain firmly in the hunt for home field advantage in the Round One Best-of-3 Series of the 2024 MLS Cup Playoffs.
In a case of ‘if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it’, Oscar Pareja named an unchanged starting eleven from our 1-3 win at FC Dallas.
The lineup featured Pedro Gallese in goal, with a back four of Kyle Smith, Rodrigo Schlegel, Robin Jansson, and Rafael Santos.
The central midfield pairing of Wilder Cartagena and César Araújo anchored the side, while Facundo Torres, Martín Ojeda, Iván Angulo supported Ramiro Enrique in attack.
Early in the first-half, Philadelphia Union had a flurry of goal kicks, curiously taken by centre back Jakob Glesnes rather than goalkeeper Andre Blake.
With the Norwegian’s powerful right foot driving the visitors up the pitch, Orlando City SC quickly regained control in Union’s half, forcing a couple of close early chances.
On just 3 minutes, Martín Ojeda reached the byline in front of The Wall and delivered a great cross that Ramiro Enrique was unable to convert past Andre Blake from point-blank range.
A fantastic show of intent early in the game, it was great to see Orlando City SC start so fast and convincingly.
Demonstrating a determined attitude right out of the gate, it was Martín Ojeda at the heart of the action again on 8 minutes.
After picking the pocket of Dániel Gazdag, the Argentine shrugged off the Hungarian before unleashing a powerful cross into Philadelphia Union’s penalty area.
Although Tincho put way too much power behind it, his strong attacking prowess was evident early on.
On 16 minutes, César Araújo effectively declared ‘I’m the guy’ by laying claim to a dangerous free-kick just outside Philadelphia Union’s penalty area.
But the Uruguayan cannoned his free-kick low into the Union wall before blasting the rebound high.
Struck well, it looked like it might trouble Andre Blake for a moment, but it sailed just over the Jamaican’s bar and into The Wall itself.
Despite having the Lion’s share of possession (pun intended), Orlando City SC went into the break level at 0-0, disappointingly unable to register a first-half shot on target.
Decisive in his decision-making, Oscar Pareja made a key adjustment at half-time, bringing on Luis Muriel for Iván Angulo.
This change paid dividends almost immediately.
On 57 minutes, Muriel threaded a left-footed pass to an unmarked Facundo Torres who was afforded acres of space inside the Union box.
And when Torres gets into this position, you know what happens next!
El Cuervo calmly slotted home his 45th career goal for Orlando City SC, breaking the club’s all-time scoring record across all competitions (1-0).
Facundo Torres’ milestone was a huge moment for both him and the club, as he surpassed Cyle Larin’s previous record (44 goals) and cemented his place in Orlando City SC history.
We want to say a HUGE congratulations to Facu for this fantastic achievement, accomplished just under three seasons into his City career!
Besides becoming Orlando City SC’s outright leading goalscorer, Facundo Torres goal was doubly significant because it also saw him equal Cyle Larin’s single-season record of 18 goals across all competitions.
Building on the momentum of Torres’ opener, Orlando City SC struck again on 64 minutes.
Using the outside of his right foot this time, Luis Muriel found fellow second-half substitute Duncan McGuire with a beautifully weighted through ball.
Collecting Muriel’s peach of a pass, Big Dunc made no mistake with an unerring finish past Andre Blake (2-0).
McGuire’s tenth MLS goal of the season, this was another reminder of his clinical finishing ability.
Particularly as Ramiro Enrique has recently relegated Big Dunc to a substitutes’ role due to his own impressive form in front of goal.
It’s a fantastic problem for Oscar Pareja to have, with all our attackers scoring and playing with supreme confidence and belief in their abilities.
A big shout-out must go to Luis Muriel too!
Making a superb contribution off the bench with two assists, it’s great to see the Colombian playing with greater confidence after struggling to adapt to life in MLS.
Having scored two goals in Orlando City SC’s 2-3 win at Subaru Park in May, Muriel’s certainly had his fair share of fun against Philadelphia Union this season!
Following last night’s win against Union, an eagle-eyed Evan Weston tweeted: “Luis Muriel, operating as a central playmaker, has 2 goals and 3 assists in his last four games, all off the bench.
After Orlando City SC went 2-0 up against Philadelphia Union however, Jim Curtin’s side refused to go quietly and pulled a goal back on 72 minutes.
Second-half substitute Quinn Sullivan capitalised on some careless defending from Orlando City SC’s backline, slotting home to make it a one-goal game (2-1).
The goal came after a controversial throw-in decision went against Orlando City SC, allowing Union to create the chance that led to Sullivan’s goal.
From here, Philadelphia Union pushed hard for an equaliser, applying heavy pressure, particularly on set pieces.
Ultimately, Orlando City SC had to weather a storm of Union attacks in the final 20 minutes, with Pedro Gallese called into action several times.
But El Pulpo made crucial saves to deny both Nathan Harriel and Mikael Uhre.
Harriel also missed a golden opportunity to level the score on 79 minutes with a free header that sailed just wide of the post.
Losing Luca Petrasso and ghosting into the City box to meet Kai Wagner’s corner, I still can’t believe Harriel missed!
A huge let off, Michael Halliday replaced Kyle Smith from the bench on 80 minutes, marking Mikey’s first MLS action since our home game against FC Cincinnati on May 4.
On 90+2 minutes, Nathan Harriel had another free header off a Union corner but thankfully, this one also flashed just wide of the post.
Talk about heart-stopping!
Despite Philadelphia Union’s late surge, Orlando City SC survived, securing all three points to extend our impressive home form.
The win marked Orlando City SC’s sixth consecutive home victory in the MLS regular season and extended our unbeaten run at home to nine matches (7-0-2) across all competitions.
Orlando City SC bossed possession with 53% to Philadelphia Union’s 47% and finished the game with 20 shots compared to Union’s 14, landing six on target compared to Union’s two.
Despite some nervy moments late in the game, the Lions’ overall performance highlighted our ability to grind out results when it matters most.
This trait should serve us well both in preparation for and during the 2024 MLS Cup Playoffs.
Last head-to-head
The last time that Orlando City SC faced FC Cincinnati in MLS, it was an embarrassing occasion as our 2024 campaign hit a new low.
Luciano Acosta farcically opened the scoring for FC Cincinnati in just 17 seconds, catching many City supporters off guard.
The goal came so early that some fans were still making their way to their seats from the concession stands and concourses within Inter&Co Stadium!
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 Rafael Santos back pass to Rodrigo Schlegel who had another calamitous moment to forget.
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 attacking midfielder 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.
With a history of repeated lapses in judgement and costly mistakes, many Orlando City SC fans had grown tired of Schlegel long before this error with the Argentine having proven to be a significant liability for quite some time.
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 was 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 (head) and Rafael Santos (shoulder) were both forced off with injuries during the course of the game too.
What’s at stake this time?
Following last night’s Major League Soccer action, Orlando City SC remain fourth in the Eastern Conference thanks to our 2-1 win over Philadelphia Union.
With only two MLS regular season fixtures remaining, every point is crucial as City look to hold onto fourth and secure home field advantage in the Round One Best-of-3 Series of the 2024 MLS Cup Playoffs.
Our victory against Philly leaves us on 49 points from 32 games, but the race for a top four finish is still wide open.
Sitting just below Orlando City SC, New York City FC are still breathing down our necks in fifth place, only two points behind us after defeating FC Cincinnati 3-2 at Red Bull Arena.
The Pigeons have also played 32 games and are doing everything they can to steal that coveted fourth place away from us.
Meanwhile, New York Red Bulls remain right behind us as well.
Like NYCFC, they also sit on 47 points from 32 games after thrashing Toronto FC 1-4 at BMO Field.
It was a strong way to bounce back from a humbling 1-5 home defeat to New York City FC last weekend in the Hudson River Derby.
Elsewhere, seventh-placed Charlotte FC have now clinched their spot in the 2024 MLS Cup Playoffs after a dramatic 4-3 win over Chicago Fire.
A result that took Charlotte FC to 45 points after 32 games, former Lion Júnior Urso scored his first-ever goal for The Crown to make it 2-1 in the game.
Currently in the last automatic qualification spot for the playoffs, Charlotte FC could still drop to eighth place, potentially finishing in the first MLS Wild Card match slot.
However, given their eight-point lead over ninth-placed Toronto FC (who have already played 33 games), Charlotte FC have now confirmed their post-season berth.
Putting the pressure on Charlotte FC, CF Montréal jumped from tenth to eighth after a vital 1-2 win at Atlanta United.
Of all players, Josef Martínez returned to haunt his former side, scoring a dramatic brace in front of a Mercedes-Benz Stadium crowd that still adores him – perhaps just a little less now!
A crushing defeat for Atlanta United, this leaves The Five Stripes’ playoff hopes hanging by a thread.
My heart bleeds for them… not!
In fact, Orlando City SC can put the final nail in Atlanta United’s coffin when The Five Stripes visit Inter&Co Stadium on 2024 MLS Decision Day.
Rob Valentino’s side are currently in twelfth place, three points below ninth-placed Toronto FC (37 points) who are clinging onto the second and final MLS Wild Card match slot by the skin of their teeth!
Level on points with Toronto FC (37), tenth-placed Philadelphia Union and eleventh-placed D.C. United each have two games remaining.
But both sides require two victories considering the first playoff tie-breaker is games won and not goal difference, which is second.
Right now, Toronto FC have 11 victories, while Philadelphia Union and D.C. United each share nine wins.
In fact, Union and D.C. have identical records (9-10-13 = 37 points) at the moment.
Union are only in tenth place thanks to their superior goal difference.
TFC won’t be in action on 2024 MLS Decision Day, but host Inter Miami this Saturday in their final league match, anxiously relying on results from other teams to keep their playoff hopes alive.
CF Montréal’s 1-2 win at Atlanta United gives the Quebec side renewed hope, leaving them just five points behind Charlotte FC and within striking distance of an automatic playoff spot.
This all means that the race for a top four seeding – and playoff qualification – is so tight right now!
Despite Orlando City SC’s incredible streak of 10 victories in our last 14 MLS games, we still cannot afford to drop points with NYCFC and Red Bulls ready to pounce.
A top four finish and home field advantage is almost within touching distance, but the Lions must remain focused and consistent.
Reassuringly, Orlando City SC’s attacking form has been exceptional.
Since June 1, across all competitions, Facundo Torres (13 goals, 7 assists), Martín Ojeda (4 goals, 7 assists), and Ramiro Enrique (8 goals, 2 assists) have all been crucial contributors in our top four push.
In fact, no side has won more points (27) in MLS since the beginning of July than Orlando City SC.
I can’t emphasise enough how crucial it has been for Ojeda and Torres to finally click as a dynamic duo after what felt like a really long wait!
After Orlando City SC scored just 17 goals in our first 17 MLS games of 2024, we’ve netted 38 in the last 15, matching 2016 and 2023’s joint club record of 55 goals in a single MLS regular season.
This incredible turnaround not only proves that Oscar Pareja knows what he’s doing as a regular season specialist.
It also highlights how dangerous Orlando City SC have become in attack.
The Lions’ impressive home form is another reason for optimism moving forward.
Orlando City SC are currently unbeaten in ten straight home matches (7-3-0) across all competitions, with four clean sheets in our last five home fixtures at Inter&Co Stadium.
If we can lock in a top four finish, this momentum at home could be crucial for a successful playoff run.
At this point, Orlando City SC’s destiny remains in our own hands.
Can we secure that coveted top four finish and start the playoffs with home field advantage?
With 2024 MLS Decision Day coming up on October 19, we won’t have to wait too long to find out!
In past years, rash decisions, hot-headedness, and red cards have dramatically derailed our playoff runs.
Now, all eyes will be on Orlando City SC to see if we’ve truly learned from those past mistakes.
With our attack firing on all cylinders and our defence tightening up, the Lions have a great opportunity to make a deep playoff run this year.
But first, we need to solidify our spot among the Eastern Conference’s top four elite.
Opposition danger men
Not only FC Cincinnati’s best player, attacking midfielder Luciano Acosta is one of Major League Soccer’s biggest talents.
During his time with the Orange and Blue, club captain “Lucho” has tallied an incredible 47 goals and 62 assists in MLS play.
Finishing joint-second in the 2023 MLS Golden Boot race (17 goals), Luciano Acosta’s standout season led to him being deservedly named the 2023 Landon Donovan MLS MVP.
Back on July 19, Luciano Acosta was also named captain of the MLS All-Stars for the 2024 MLS All-Star Game, marking the second consecutive year he’s led the team.
Formerly a D.C. United and Atlas player, 5 ft 3 in Acosta is revered for his low centre of gravity, technical skills, and playmaking abilities.
Pat Noonan typically deploys Acosta as a 10 but the 29-year-old can operate as a support striker as well.
So far this MLS season, Luciano Acosta has 13 goals and 19 assists to his name.
Elsewhere, right / left winger / wing back Luca Orellano has proved to be one of the best MLS signings of the season!
Currently on loan at FC Cincinnati from Vasco da Gama, Orellano has 10 MLS goals and seven MLS assists to his name this year.
Orellano has more than made up for the loss of fellow Argentine Álvaro Barreal who departed TQL Stadium for Cruzeiro on loan in March.
With a wand of a left foot, Orellano’s best attributes are his rapid pace, exceptional dribbling skills, and tireless work rate.
Not to mention his eye for the spectacular – especially at TQL Stadium!
Back on June 19, Luca Orellano channeled his inner David Beckham with a sensational goal from just over the halfway line against Philadelphia Union (4-3).
It was the kind of goal you see only once every few seasons.
Remarkably, Orellano outdid himself on August 31, delivering another stunning long-range strike – this time, a breathtaking dead-ball effort from within his own half against CF Montréal (4-1).
Ultimately, Luca Orellano’s debut MLS season has been so impressive that he made the MLS All-Stars squad for the 2024 MLS All-Star Game back on July 24.
Last but not least, April 30 saw FC Cincinnati announce the loan signing of Venezuela Under-23 international striker Kevin Kelsy from Shakhtar Donetsk.
Officially added as a U22 Initiative player before the MLS Primary Transfer Window deadline, Kelsy has six goals to his name this MLS season.
New opposition faces
Since Orlando City SC last faced FC Cincinnati, Pat Noonan’s side have been active in the MLS Secondary Transfer Window.
Back on July 25, the Orange and Blue signed Nigerian international centre back Chidozie Awaziem from Boavista.
This provided much-needed cover for Matt Miazga who is on FC Cincinnati’s Season-Ending Injury List after suffering a long-term knee injury at San Jose Earthquakes on June 15.
Then, on August 15, FC Cincinnati signed former Lion Nicholas Gioacchini as a Designated Player on loan from Serie A side Como.
Returning Stateside after departing St. Louis CITY SC in January, Gioacchini effectively replaced Aaron Boupendza whose contract was terminated early by MLS on August 8.
Lastly, beyond the closure of the MLS Secondary Transfer Window, August 27 saw FC Cincinnati sign centre back Teenage Hadebe as a free agent.
FC Cincinnati are the Zimbabwe international defender’s second MLS club following a spell with Houston Dynamo from 2021 to 2023.
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 he’s back for the playoffs, as the Icelander has been one of our most consistent performers all season.
Duncan McGuire will also miss the trip to FC Cincinnati due to yellow card accumulation, following a 95th minute booking in our 2-1 win over Philadelphia Union.
Elsewhere, new boy Heine Gikling Bruseth still awaits his City debut after being an unused substitute in Orlando City SC’s last four MLS fixtures.
It appears Oscar Pareja is easing him into Major League Soccer very gently amid the intensity of #HuntingSeason.
As for FC Cincinnati, Pat Noonan’s side have a whole host of players who are definitely out of Saturday’s game.
Chidozie Awaziem (leg), Isaiah Foster (knee), Nick Hagglund (leg), Alec Kann (hip), Matt Miazga (knee), and Sergio Santos (concussion protocol) are all currently sidelined.
Fortunately for the Orange and Blue, they are still stacked with quality depth and have more than enough weapons to cause Orlando City SC problems.
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FC Cincinnati vs Orlando City SC
Last 3 head-to-heads
- March 4, 2023: Orlando City SC 0 FC Cincinnati 0 (MLS)
- September 2, 2023: FC Cincinnati 0 Orlando City SC 1 (MLS)
- May 4, 2024: Orlando City SC 0 FC Cincinnati 1 (MLS)
2019/24 head-to-head stats
- It was 0-1 to Cincinnati the last time the sides met (May 2024)
- Played Cincinnati 10 times in MLS – Cincinnati 3, Draws 3, Orlando 4
- Five of the last 6 MLS head-to-heads have been separated by ONE goal, including four 0-1 / 1-0 results
- Luca Orellano has scored in 4 of Cincinnati’s last 6 MLS fixtures (5 goals)
- Facundo Torres has scored in 5 of Orlando’s last 6 MLS fixtures (6 goals)
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Watching the game
FC Cincinnati vs Orlando City SC will be shown live on Apple TV at 00:30 (GMT) on Sunday, October 6.
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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