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In Rodrigo we trust. In “El Pulpo” we trust. Two statements that will live forever for Orlando City fans. Orlando City advanced to the U.S Open Cup semis after a 1-1 draw against Nashville at Exploria Stadium. Schlegel scored and yet again, saved Orlando City from elimination by scoring off a set piece in the 94th minute. Pedro Gallese on the other hand, had three key saves and denied Nashville from extending their lead throughout the first 90 minutes. Also, he had the winning save in the PK shootout that gave Orlando the ticket to semis.
In the first half, Nashville came out high pressing Orlando. Dominating the possession game. Their press was so intense that it forced Orlando to turnover the ball constantly. From those Orlando turnovers, Nashville was able to generate several attacking plays. Orlando’s backline delivered by blocking Nashville’s chances. First, it was Kyle Smith who deflected a beautiful header by Zimmerman, and then it was “el Pulpo” Pedro Gallese deflecting Hany Mukhtar’s shot. That was not the only key save for the Peruvian international, he also had a huge save when facing CJ Sapong 1v1. There were not any clear opportunities to score for the lions but the only chance they had, they wasted it big time. Torres shot a nice long ball to Urso and “the bear” missed completely with an open goal. At the end of the half, it was clear that Nashville dominated. They had more shots on target and possession of the ball.
In the second half, Orlando City came out with more intensity. Momentum and chances started for the lions. But, in the 53rd minute, Muyl sent a beautiful cross to Mukhtar and the german knocked past Gallese to give Nashville the advantage. The Wall became silent, and everyone thought that was it. But, the lions started to push even further and actually they cornered Nashville at some point. Ruan and Pato created two or three chances but all of them failed. As Orlando continued to generate chances, Nashville’s approach was to protect the advantage, so Mukhtar was subbed off. Nashville hunkered down defensively and Orlando was just hitting them of the counter, hoping for a chance to score. In the 94th minute, Pereyra was fouled and a free kick was awarded to Orlando City. Pereyra’s cross went past Panicco, Benji headed the ball down and Schlegel scored off a rebound. Exploria EXPLODED. Rodrigo Schlegel saved Orlando City yet again and cemented his legend status with the lions. Orlando City leveled 1-1 while Nashville players left the pitch distraught to extra time. In extra time, there was not really much action. Nashville did get desperate as Orlando started to dominate the attacking chances. Sean Davis was sent off due to a second yellow. The game went to penalties. Suspense ensued.
In the penalty kick shootout, Orlando remained cool, calm and collective. Andres Perea missed and Exploria stadium went somber, but Saint Pedro Gallese delivered BIG TIME and gave the victory to the lions with a marvelous penalty kick save. The lions reached the U.S Open Cup semifinals, and will face an opponent that they have not been able to beat yet, the New York Red Bulls.
Oscar Pareja in post-game press conference said: “I’m very happy, obviously, with the victory and going to the semifinal with this group of players against a very good rival, with the possibility of advancing. It’s a very good step for us. Regarding the game, I didn’t think we played well the first half, at least 35 minutes where Nashville was much better than us. [They] created options. I think the game was generous with us keeping it at zero. But after the goal, I thought we reacted and I want to recognize that reaction from the players. I think they had the personality and patience to go through it. The guys who came on in the game also helped us tremendously today. Gave us energy, gave us some creativity too. Then at the end I thought we were very fair winners. The game was, as I said, first half for them and after that we leveled the game and then we started creating options and being ourselves. But it was a tremendous game and a very difficult one.”
Vamos Orlando!
