ORLANDO, Fla. – In a hard-fought match Wednesday night, Orlando City SC secured a 2-0 win against Charlotte FC, marking their third consecutive shutout. The Lions, now 12-10-7, have been on an impressive run, following their recent 3-0 victories against Nashville SC and the New England Revolution.
Facundo Torres opened the scoring in the 52nd minute, with a well-executed volley following a one-touch cross from Martín Ojeda. Duncan McGuire sealed the win with a late goal in the 89th minute, chipping the ball over Charlotte goalkeeper Kristijan Kahlina. Orlando City’s goalkeeper Pedro Gallese contributed two key saves, while Charlotte FC struggled to break through, extending their winless streak to six games.
A Game of Persistence and Precision
The first half saw Orlando City dominating possession with 58%, but chances were hard to come by against Charlotte’s strong defense. Despite controlling the game with 12 shots to Charlotte’s 4, the Lions were unable to capitalize on opportunities early on. Head Coach Oscar Pareja made a crucial adjustment at halftime, bringing in Duncan McGuire, whose movement and energy proved to be a game-changer.
Pareja commented on McGuire’s impact, stating, “He brings something different to our attack, making those darting runs into the box, which creates space for others.” This strategic change opened up the game for the Lions in the second half.
A Team Effort: Breaking Down Charlotte’s Defense
Orlando’s breakthrough came early in the second half. Iván Angulo initiated a play that saw Ojeda make a dash towards the endline. McGuire’s run to the near post dragged Charlotte’s defenders out of position, leaving Torres unmarked at the back post. With composure, Torres volleyed Ojeda’s cross into the net, putting Orlando City ahead 1-0.
Speaking on the goal, Torres said, “We’ve been working on those runs in training. I knew if I could find space behind them, we’d get the chance, and fortunately, we made it happen tonight.”
McGuire Seals the Deal
McGuire continued to impress in the dying minutes of the game. Luis Muriel delivered a perfectly timed pass to McGuire, who effortlessly chipped the ball over Kahlina, securing his second goal in two games and his ninth of the season. It was a moment of brilliance that showcased the chemistry between the two attackers and highlighted Orlando City’s growing confidence on the pitch.
Adding to the memorable moment, Pedro Gallese became the second goalkeeper in Orlando City’s history to be credited with an assist, following in the footsteps of Mason Stajduhar’s assist to McGuire last season.
Defense Continues to Shine
Three consecutive shutouts at home are no small feat, and Orlando’s defense has been crucial to the team’s success. Dagur Dan Thorhallsson attributed the recent clean sheets to the team’s improved cohesion. “We’re defending as a unit,” he said. “Earlier in the season, we were conceding goals, but now it feels like we’re clicking defensively.”
A Historic Milestone for Oscar Pareja
Wednesday’s win was particularly significant for Head Coach Oscar Pareja, who notched his 171st career victory, passing Dominic Kinnear for the fifth-most regular season wins by a coach in MLS history. Pareja expressed pride in the accomplishment and emphasized the importance of continuing to bring success to Orlando City. “It’s an honor to be part of this league’s growth,” Pareja said. “But more importantly, I want to keep winning for this team.”
Looking Ahead
Orlando City’s next challenge comes quickly, as they travel to Columbus to face one of MLS’s top teams, the Columbus Crew. The Lions will need to recover quickly and maintain their form if they hope to extend their winning streak. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. ET at Lower.com Field this Saturday.
The victory over Charlotte was another display of Orlando City’s resilience and ability to perform under pressure, leaving fans hopeful for more success as the season continues.
