It’s crunch time, Orlando! The 2024 MLS Cup Playoffs are in full swing, and our season all comes down to this – game three. The stakes couldn’t be higher as Orlando City SC prepare to battle Charlotte FC one final time in our Round One Best-of-3 Series. With everything riding on a victory at Inter&Co Stadium, this is our moment to rally and remind the league who we are.
Last Friday’s penalty shootout defeat in Charlotte was a tough pill to swallow. A 40,000-strong crowd at Bank of America Stadium roared on the home team as they narrowly escaped with their first-ever MLS playoff win. Despite a hard-fought 90+11 minutes, our Lions couldn’t find the net, and the shootout heroics we’d relied on for years failed to materialise. Charlotte FC’s goalkeeper, Kristijan Kahlina, was the hero of the night, denying us three times from the spot with The Crown winning 3-1 from 12 yards.
But what’s done is done, and it’s all eyes on the present. Ultimately, Orlando City SC now have the chance to flip the script and seal our third-ever appearance in the Eastern Conference Semi-Finals. With a much larger crowd expected to pack out Inter&Co Stadium, it will be high-stakes atmosphere and our Lions need to come out firing. On a do or die night, there’s no room for passive play, like in game two! It’s time to be bold and take the game to Charlotte FC, leaving no doubt about our intent to advance.
We secured home advantage for moments just like this, and having broken our club record for single-season goals (59), we have the firepower to make it count. With the roar of our people behind us in the 407, there’s no room for anything less than a full team effort. Let’s show we’re All Teeth and ready to go all the way. Vamos Orlando!
Last time out / head-to-head
Last Friday, Orlando City SC lost 3-1 on penalties (0-0 at full-time) to Charlotte FC in game two of the Round One Best-of-3 Series in the 2024 MLS Cup Playoffs.
Just what is it about City playing on artificial turf? Ugh!
This was Charlotte FC’s first-ever victory in the MLS Cup Playoffs, and a result that sets up a game three at Inter&Co Stadium this Saturday.
A crowd of 40,238 fans gathered at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, marking North Carolina’s first major playoff game in any sport since the Charlotte Hornets faced Miami Heat in the 2016 NBA playoffs.
On the night, Oscar Pareja opted for an unchanged lineup from Orlando City SC’s 2-0 victory over Charlotte FC in game one.
As for Charlotte FC, Dean Smith made three adjustments.
Kerwin Vargas replaced the suspended Pep Biel, Patrick Agyemang started in place of Karol Świderski, and Djibril Diani took over for Júnior Urso.
As the Lions sought to build on their game one victory (2-0), they faced a high-intensity Charlotte FC side that quickly seized control, maintaining the upper hand throughout the first-half.
From the first whistle, Dean Smith’s men took the game to Orlando City SC, but Wilder Cartagena’s early tackle on Brandt Bronico tempered the home side’s momentum, to the displeasure of a vocal partisan crowd.
Despite Charlotte’s FC early control, Orlando City SC’s defence remained resolute.
On 10 minutes, Liel Abada fired Charlotte FC’s first attempt but dragged his shot wide of Pedro Gallese’s goal.
Minutes later, Kerwin Vargas found Brandt Bronico in a dangerous position, only for Dagur Dan Thórhallsson to clear the cross.
Charlotte FC’s closest chance came on 17 minutes, with Adilson Malanda’s effort striking the post after a scramble in the box.
In the end, Pedro Gallese did just enough to throw Malanda off a clean finish.
On 20 minutes, tensions flared when Ashley Westwood fouled Wilder Cartagena, igniting a brief scuffle in the centre of the park.
César Araújo (who else?) was quickest to respond, standing up for his team-mate and showcasing the Lions’ solidarity and grit.
Just three minutes later, Pedro Gallese dramatically made a flying one-handed reflex save to deny a powerful header from Liel Abada.
Known for his agility and cat-like reflexes, Gallese’s acrobatics kept the score level in a first-half that had the Orlando City SC defence working tirelessly.
By the half-hour mark, Charlotte FC had out-shot Orlando City SC 6-0, highlighting The Crown’s dominance and intensity early in the game.
Charlotte FC continued to push, with Robin Jansson receiving the game’s first yellow card after stopping Patrick Agyemang from breaking into the box.
While Charlotte FC didn’t really give the Orlando City SC attack a sniff in the first-half, Martín Ojeda managed to whip a cross into The Crown’s box on 40 minutes.
As the ball came in, there was a slight push from Tim Ream into Ramiro Enrique’s back, but in truth, the contact was minimal and no penalty was called.
On 43 minutes, Pedro Gallese stood tall to palm a powerful Kerwin Vargas strike over his crossbar.
Another ‘camera save’ for some, El Pulpo’s second exuberant save of the match kept Orlando City SC’s defence steadfast.
Although Orlando City SC hadn’t registered a single shot by half-time, they stood resilient, frustrating Charlotte FC and keeping our hopes of achieving a second-half smash and grab alive.
As first-half stoppage time approached, Liel Abada picked up a yellow card, adding to Charlotte FC’s mounting frustration.
Dean Smith, visibly irritated on the touchline, voiced his disbelief at the single minute of added time awarded by the fourth official, quipping loudly, “Are you using one of those sand timers?”
His comment, which could be heard echoing from the touchline, highlighted the intensity of Charlotte FC’s desire to make something happen on a decisive night.
In the second-half, Orlando City SC faced relentless pressure from Charlotte FC as both teams sought a breakthrough in front of a fervent North Carolina crowd.
Just minutes into the restart, Kerwin Vargas found space in Orlando City SC’s box, but Robin Jansson was quick to intercept.
Oscar Pareja made his first tactical switch on 56 minutes, bringing on Duncan McGuire for Ramiro Enrique with hope of breaking the deadlock.
However, Orlando City SC struggled to build momentum with Charlotte FC remaining on the front foot, creating chances that kept the Lions’ defence busy.
In a moment of danger on 67 minutes, César Araújo’s misplaced pass allowed Patrick Agyemang a promising run on goal, only for Robin Jansson to execute an immaculate last-ditch tackle.
Surgically precise, the Swede knew that if he mistimed this challenge, it would’ve been a clear penalty for the hosts.
As the second-half wore on, the introduction of Nicolás Lodeiro added way more creativity to Orlando City SC’s attack.
On 78 minutes, the Uruguayan’s clever dummy and combination play with Duncan McGuire suggested a late attacking surge from Orlando City SC.
However, just four minutes later, Kristijan Kahlina played the role of ‘sweeper keeper’ to clear a floated pass from Lodeiro before McGuire could capitalise.
On 83 minutes, Kristijan Kahlina made his FIRST save of the entire game when Iván Angulo’s forced him into action.
It was so disappointing that it took this long to test the Croatian’s palms.
Following this, Charlotte FC continued to press, forcing Pedro Gallese to defend against their tenth corner of the game.
After nine minutes of second-half stoppage time were called, Orlando City SC thought they had stolen the win on 90+5 minutes when Facundo Torres netted what appeared to be a breakthrough goal at the death.
For a moment, El Cuervo believed he had become Orlando City SC’s all-time leading goalscorer in the MLS Cup Playoffs with two goals, also celebrating his fourth goal in four head-to-head matches with Charlotte FC this season.
But the goal was disallowed due to the teeny tiniest of offside calls on Nicolás Lodeiro in the build-up.
After VAR review, referee Guido Gonzales Jr. upheld the original offside decision, denying Orlando City SC the killer goal that would’ve surely sealed our progression to the Eastern Conference Semi-Final stage.
Evan Weston tweeted: “Lodeiro certainly looked on to me. One of those that probably stands either way.”
And when you look at this camera still, perhaps we have reason to feel aggrieved, especially given the positioning of Tim Ream on the far side.
With neither side able to break the deadlock, the game advanced to a penalty shootout.
Heading into penalties, the Lions knew that they had won nine consecutive shootouts over a nine-year span from 2015 to 2024.
However, this remarkable run came to an abrupt halt on August 9 when City lost 4-5 on penalties to Cruz Azul in the Round of 32 of the 2024 Leagues Cup.
And after our incredible nine-year run, Orlando City SC have now suffered two consecutive penalty shootout defeats.
Typically reliable from 12 yards, we unfortunately encountered Kristijan Kahlina in inspired form.
Initially, I felt good that Orlando City SC won the coin toss to take the first kick in the penalty shootout – something that’s always an advantage.
But it’s only an advantage if you score, and 2024 MLS Goalkeeper of the Year finalist Kahlina not only saved Nicolás Lodeiro’s initial penalty.
He also denied our second taker Robin Jansson and our fourth taker Duncan McGuire, with only third taker Luis Muriel managing to beat the Croatian with a deft chipped finish.
The order of Orlando City SC’s penalty takers seemed strange to me.
I know he’s our captain, but having Robin Jansson step up second – especially after he missed his penalty against Cruz Azul – seemed like a questionable decision.
It was incredibly frustrating that our best penalty kick taker, Facundo Torres, didn’t even take a spot kick.
I understand the strategy many soccer teams use today – holding back their best taker until the fifth kick to seal the game.
But this tactic only works if the other players do their part and convert their own penalties first.
In hindsight, it’s regrettable that Facu didn’t even get the chance to face Kahlina.
With Patrick Agyemang, Karol Świderski, and Ashley Westwood all converting, Charlotte FC won the shootout 3-1, forcing Saturday’s decisive game three in Central Florida.
What’s at stake this time?
Win and progress – it’s as simple as that!
Whether it’s after 90 minutes (hopefully!) or through another penalty shootout (please, not again!), our goal remains the same if the score is tied at full-time.
To win game three and reach our third Eastern Conference Semi-Final where we would visit Florida rivals and 2024 Supporters’ Shield winners Inter Miami.
Or perhaps Atlanta United, who, to be fair, delivered an incredible performance in game two to defeat The Herons 2-1 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium and force a game three at Chase Stadium.
With defending 2023 MLS Cup champions Columbus Crew eliminated by New York Red Bulls in just two Round One games, the second seed is gone, leaving the East wide open for something exciting to unfold.
I can’t lie though.
I was really disappointed when referee Guido Gonzales Jr. blew the full-time whistle after penalties at Bank of America Stadium.
It wasn’t just about us choking in the shootout – that can happen to any team at any time.
In was in the 90 minutes for me.
We never really went for it, did we?
Sure, bunker and counter is a tactic that Oscar Pareja has perfected on the road throughout his MLS career.
But, we weren’t brave enough, especially in attack, with Kristijan Kahlina barely tested throughout the 90+11 minutes.
I mean, he saved just one shot – Iván Angulo’s feeble effort on 83 minutes!
Make no mistake; we were spirited and hardworking in our duels across the pitch, putting out fires, and staying resolute when we needed to be in North Carolina.
Especially Pedro Gallese with his exuberant first-half saves.
But we never carried any kind of legitimate attacking threat going forward, despite our plethora of attacking talent on the field.
After all, heading into game two, Apple TV commentators Devon Kerr and Nate Bukaty noted that Facundo Torres, Martín Ojeda, Iván Angulo, and Ramiro Enrique each had six goal contributions (totalling 24) in Orlando City SC’s last nine MLS games, which is a quite remarkable tally.
This awesome foursome have played a huge part in making Orlando City SC Major League Soccer’s most in-form team (10 wins and 31 points) since July 1, but they just never got going in North Carolina.
As you all know, I’m a huge fan of Oscar Pareja, but even I can admit that his tactics sometimes come across as negative.
It feels like he tends to play it safe, opting for percentages rather than going all out to beat any MLS opponent, whether at home or away.
And it’s these kinds of performances that have previously led the “Papi out” crowd to question whether he can truly deliver an MLS Cup with such MLS 1.0 tactics at this critical stage of the post-season.
Reflecting on the game, it felt to me like Oscar Pareja was playing not to lose, rather than to win.
You all know what I mean!
Don’t get me wrong; Charlotte FC were the better side and deserved their win on the night, roared on by a raucous 40,000+ crowd at the cavernous Bank of America Stadium.
However, The Crown certainly aren’t world-beaters in Major League Soccer, and it was very frustrating and disappointing to watch Orlando City SC play so passively against them, barely laying a glove on them all evening.
On the night, we moved the ball far too slowly on Charlotte FC’s very fast artificial surface.
Sure, we moved the ball quicker in the second half and had more success, especially after Nicolás Lodeiro came on, but we never had the punch to truly hurt the hosts.
You have to shoot to win, and considering we didn’t all night, coupled with a real lack of urgency in front of goal, we were cruelly punished for our passiveness in the shootout.
Sure, it’s frustrating that Charlotte FC haven’t even scored a Round One goal yet, but have still forced a game three.
Heck, Orlando City SC are the only team in Round One to give up zero goals through two games!
But we all knew the Best-of-3 Series rules going in, so we can only blame ourselves.
With the support of our home crowd at Inter&Co Stadium, it’s now up to the Orlando City SC ticketing and marketing teams to sell as many tickets as possible and create an electric atmosphere for our first-ever third game of a Round One Best-of-3 Series.
Given that game three falls on a Saturday rather than a Friday or midweek, we can expect a much larger crowd to pack the stadium.
Opposition danger men
Before games one and two, I highlighted Charlotte FC’s attacking trio of Liel Abada, Karol Świderski, and Pep Biel as The Crown’s biggest threats.
All starting game one, Orlando City SC did incredibly well to stifle these threats, especially Świderski.
The Polish international striker was notably quiet in game one, which is impressive given that he had scored in three of Charlotte FC’s final four MLS regular season fixtures (4 goals).
In game two, Dean Smith started his promising young American-Ghanaian striker Patrick Agyemang instead of Karol Świderski, and I wonder which striker he will opt for this time?
Having tallied 10 goals and five assists this MLS regular season, 6 ft 4 in Agyemang has had a breakout year and has proven to be a real handful, looking far more dangerous than Świderski so far in this series.
Still raw, he has certainly surprised veteran MLS defenders this year with his brute strength and direct attacking style.
Elsewhere, Pep Biel’s foolish red card in second-half stoppage time of game one ruled him out of game two in North Carolina.
However, after Kerwin Vargas stepped in for the suspended Spaniard in game two, Pep Biel is now back in contention for game three, having served his one-match suspension.
Also, while he may not be a danger man in the traditional sense, Charlotte FC goalkeeper Kristijan Kahlina is a 2024 MLS Goalkeeper of the Year finalist alongside Hugo Lloris and Patrick Schulte.
Thwarting both Ramiro Enrique and Facundo Torres with crucial stops in game one, Kahlina was the hero of game two, helping The Crown win their decisive penalty shootout.
The Croatian is a high-calibre goalkeeper more than capable of single-handedly keeping The Crown in games.
Therefore, we must be ruthless when opportunities arise.
Last but not least, Charlotte FC also have former Lion Júnior Urso with The Bear returning to Inter&Co Stadium for the third time as an opposition player.
A starter in game one, Urso was an unused substitute in game two, with Dean Smith choosing Djibril Diani instead.
Injuries and suspensions
Heading into this game, Mason Stajduhar (right lower leg) is definitely out for the Lions.
But every other member of Oscar Pareja’s 2024 Orlando City SC roster is fit and ready to contribute.
A word of warning though.
Wilder Cartagena received a yellow card on 90+7 minutes in game two, meaning one more yellow in game three would see him suspended from a potential Eastern Conference Semi-Final against Inter Miami or Atlanta United.
Known for his tough tackling, our Peruvian midfielder has already been booked in both games one and two.
With three consecutive cautions leading to a one-match suspension in MLS, Cartagena’s crucial role as a midfield destroyer has seen him quickly accumulate two more yellow cards, despite the reset at the end of the MLS regular season.
As for Charlotte FC, only former Orlando City B defender Jahlane Forbes (hip) is definitely out.
Like we mentioned before, Pep Biel is now back in contention for The Crown having now served his one-match suspension following his petulant red card in game one.
Pep Biel entered the playoffs with two MLS goals and three assists to his name.
And I wonder whether Dean Smith will bring his Olympiacos loanee back into the starting eleven or continue with Kerwin Vargas instead?
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Orlando City SC vs Charlotte FC
Last 3 head-to-heads
- September 18, 2024: Orlando City SC 2 Charlotte FC 0 (MLS)
- October 27, 2024: Orlando City SC 2 Charlotte FC 0 (2024 MLS Cup Playoffs)
- November 1, 2024: Charlotte FC 0 Orlando City SC 0 (3-1 on penalties) (2024 MLS Cup Playoffs)
2015/24 head-to-head stats
- It was 0-0 (3-1 on penalties) to Charlotte the last time the sides met (November 2024)
- Played Charlotte 8 times in MLS – Orlando 4, Draws 2, Charlotte 2
- Charlotte have failed to score against Orlando in 270+ minutes of MLS action
- Game two was Orlando’s first scoreless match since August 24 (lost 3-0 at Sporting Kansas City)
- Charlotte have kept a clean sheet in 3 of their last 4 MLS fixtures
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Watching the game
Orlando City SC vs Charlotte FC will be shown live on Apple TV at 23:00 (GMT) on Saturday, November 9.
Remember, UK supporters can watch this game and all of Orlando City SC’s fixtures in the 2024 MLS Cup Playoffs by subscribing to Apple TV’s “MLS Season Pass”.
Subscribe now by clicking here.
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