By: TJ Waller
Orlando City SC, affectionately known as the Lions, has achieved yet another significant milestone on their journey to success. I had the privilege of witnessing and capturing the exhilarating 3-2 victory over the New England Revolution, securing a coveted spot for the club in the highly anticipated 2024 Concacaf Champions Cup. This remarkable feat marks their second consecutive appearance in this prestigious tournament, reaffirming their position as one of Major League Soccer’s (MLS) top contenders.
A Triumphant Night at Exploria Stadium
The match between Orlando City SC and the New England Revolution unfolded on a memorable Saturday evening at Exploria Stadium. Boasting a season record of 17-7-9 and amassing a total of 60 points, the Lions approached the game with unwavering determination and a clear objective. The victory not only guaranteed their entry into the Concacaf Champions Cup but also secured the second overall seed for the upcoming Audi 2023 MLS Cup Playoffs, granting them the sought-after home-field advantage.
First-Half Display of Dominance
The Lions wasted no time asserting their dominance, netting three pivotal goals in the first half. Rookie forward Duncan McGuire, in sensational form, initiated the scoring with a brilliantly executed header. This marked McGuire’s 11th goal of the regular season, tying the record for the second-highest number of goals scored by a draft pick in their debut MLS season out of college.
Facundo Torres, a linchpin for Orlando City, continued his impressive performance by notching his 14th goal of the season. This goal not only extended his lead as the club’s top scorer but also showcased his remarkable skills and finesse on the field. Iván Angulo, another indomitable force in the Lions’ lineup, contributed to the first-half goal tally with his fifth goal of the year, further cementing their lead.
Mauricio Pereyra’s Record-Breaking Assists
Captain Mauricio Pereyra played a pivotal role in Orlando City’s victory, supplying two crucial assists during the match. These assists marked Pereyra’s 11th and 12th of the 2023 campaign, setting a new record for the most MLS regular-season assists in a single season in the history of Orlando City. Pereyra’s exceptional playmaking abilities and vision on the field have been instrumental in the team’s success, with his record-breaking assists a testament to his skill and unwavering dedication.
A Closer Look at the Match
Let’s delve into the defining moments of this thrilling encounter between Orlando City SC and the New England Revolution:
31′ – Duncan McGuire’s Header: Mauricio Pereyra initiated the Lions’ attack, finding Dagur Dan Thórhallsson, who delivered a precisely placed cross from the right flank. McGuire’s perfectly timed run allowed him to meet the ball, guiding it into the back of the net.
37′ – Facundo Torres’ Clinical Finish: Rafael Santos provided an excellent assist, setting up Iván Angulo, who delivered a precise ball into the box. Torres showcased his technical prowess by volleying the ball past the goalkeeper, extending Orlando City’s lead.
42′ – New England’s Response: Carles Gil of the New England Revolution seized an opportunity just before halftime, releasing a low-driven shot from outside the box. The ball skimmed across the turf, catching goalkeeper Pedro Gallese off guard and finding the back of the net.
45′ – Iván Angulo Strikes Again: Pereyra once again demonstrated his playmaking prowess, distributing the ball wide to Rafael Santos. Santos skillfully cut the ball back, finding Angulo in the heart of the box. Angulo calmly converted the chance, securing the Lions’ third goal of the night.
90+3′ – New England’s Consolation: In the waning moments of the match, DeJuan Jones delivered a well-timed pass to Carles Gil, who capitalized on the opportunity to score his second goal of the match. Though it served as a consolation goal, it highlighted the New England Revolution’s resilience.
Coach Oscar Pareja’s Reflections
Head Coach Oscar Pareja extended his gratitude to the fans and the community for their unwavering support throughout the season. He acknowledged the team’s unwavering commitment and underscored the demanding nature of the match against the New England Revolution. Pareja commended his players for their response to adversity and emphasized the importance of maintaining focus and efficiency in future games.
“Today, we overcame New England, which is no small feat. This journey in the last three weeks has been packed with numerous matches, and the lads have responded admirably. There’s still much to achieve, but we can take pride in our accomplishments thus far. Congratulations to the players.” – Coach Oscar Pareja
Looking Ahead
With their berth secured in the 2024 Concacaf Champions Cup, Orlando City SC is poised to leave an indelible mark on the international stage. As they continue their journey in the Audi 2023 MLS Cup Playoffs, the Lions are determined to maintain their winning streak and further establish their reputation as a formidable force in the global soccer arena.
