“Painful”. Martín Ojeda’s one-word summary said it all as Orlando City SC suffered their first-ever MLS home opener loss, falling 2-4 to Philadelphia Union last Saturday. A disastrous start to the second-half left the Lions with a mountain to climb, overshadowing Marco Pašalić’s debut brace.
“We made mistakes that don’t belong in this game, at this level” said Oscar Pareja who knows a major improvement is needed to restore fan confidence in the season ahead.
Last time out
Orlando City SC’s 2025 MLS campaign began with an embarrassing 2-4 home loss to Philadelphia Union on opening night. Despite Marco Pašalić’s impressive two-goal debut – breaking two club records with the fastest goal in an Orlando home opener and the fastest MLS debut goal in club history — the Lions’ defensive lapses proved costly. Tai Baribo’s equaliser before half-time set the stage for a disastrous 20-minute stretch after the break, where Dániel Gazdag, Mikael Uhre, and Baribo punished City’s awful defensive mistakes. The Lions controlled possession (55.6%) and outshot Union 22-11 but lacked the clinical edge. It marked our first-ever opening day defeat in MLS (4-6-1). Oscar Pareja’s side must quickly learn from their mistakes as they look to rebound against Toronto FC, who drew 2-2 at D.C. United last Saturday.
Last head-to-head
On July 3, 2024, Orlando City SC triumphed 1-2 over Toronto FC at BMO Field. After conceding early to Derrick Etienne Jr.’s close-range strike, City quickly equalised 22 minutes later through Martín Ojeda’s header, assisted by Iván Angulo. Facundo Torres then got lucky by delivering a cross that deflected into TFC’s net, giving the Lions a 1-2 lead before half-time. In the second-half, we managed our one-goal advantage well, withstanding late pressure, and nearly sealing the win with two missed chances from Luis Muriel. The victory marked Orlando City SC’s fifth consecutive unbeaten result at BMO Field, continuing our strong run of form in Ontario.
What’s at stake this time?
Orlando City SC must not only get off the mark in points but also restore pride in defence. Losing captain Robin Jansson to injury in the warm-up against Union was a setback, but the team’s defensive lapses – especially early in the second-half – were unacceptable. Rafael Santos and Rodrigo Schlegel really struggled, and the backline must improve fast. On a brighter note, Marco Pašalić had a standout debut, scoring just eight minutes into his City career before completing his brace on 79 minutes. Earning MLS Team of the Matchday recognition, the Croatian winger looked sharp, direct, and willing to shoot – traits that will be crucial as he steps into the role left by Facundo Torres. As always in soccer, winning solves everything, and a first MLS victory of 2025 would settle both the squad and our supporters.
Opposition danger men
🇮🇹 Federico Bernardeschi (8 goals, 8 assists – 2024 MLS)
🇨🇦 Deandre Kerr (3 goals, 2 assists – 2024 MLS)
🇭🇹 Derrick Etienne Jr. (3 goals, 1 assist – 2024 MLS)
New opposition faces
🇺🇸 Robin Fraser (head coach)
🇨🇦 Theo Corbeanu (on loan from Granada)
🇨🇦 Adisa De Rosario (Toronto FC II)
🇳🇴 Ola Brynhildsen (on loan from FC Midtjylland)
🇨🇦 Markus Cimermancic (Toronto FC II)
🇯🇲 Zane Monlouis (Arsenal)
🇨🇦 Lazar Stefanovic (Toronto FC II)
Injuries
🇵🇪 Wilder Cartagena (right leg)
🇨🇱 Favian Loyola (thigh)
🇺🇸 Duncan McGuire (right shoulder)
🇯🇵 Yutaro Tsukada (knee)
Suspensions
None
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Orlando City SC vs Toronto FC
Last 3 head-to-heads
- October 21, 2023: Toronto FC 0 Orlando City SC 2 (MLS)
- April 27, 2024: Orlando City SC 1 Toronto FC 2 (MLS)
- July 3, 2024: Toronto FC 1 Orlando City SC 2 (MLS)
2015/24 head-to-head stats
- It was 1-2 to Orlando the last time the sides met (July 2024)
- Played TFC 21 times in MLS – Orlando 9, Draws 3, TFC 9
- Orlando are unbeaten in 8 of the last 9 MLS head-to-heads, going 6-2-1
- Orlando have drawn 3 of their last 4 Matchday 2 fixtures in MLS
- TFC have failed to win their last 6 MLS fixtures
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Watching the game
Orlando City SC vs Toronto FC will be shown live on Apple TV at 00:30 (GMT) on Sunday, March 2.
Remember, UK supporters can watch all of Orlando City SC’s 2025 MLS regular season fixtures by subscribing to Apple TV’s “MLS Season Pass”.
Subscribe now by clicking here.
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