Orlando City came to this game ready to vindicate themselves after the horrendous defeat against Inter Miami. As well, LPO predicted the starting lineup perfectly. Kyle Smith, Nicolas Lodeiro and Luis Muriel were in the starting lineup for the lions.
Tigres was not going to be an easy foe, but Oscar Pareja and his squad were ready to draw first blood. As well, the lions were also eager to prove to parts of their upset fanbase and the league that they are contenders for the MLS Cup. Twenty mins in, and Orlando City pressed Tigres when they went in transition, it seemed the Lions had a newfound attitude. Muriel played freely in the attacking third, attempting to find gaps in Tigres’ backline and someone to connect with. It was a very even match, despite the Lions having most of the clear chances throughout the first half. Muriel, Lodeiro, and Angulo attempted to create magic in Tigres’ box, a beautiful sight indeed. The clearest chance Orlando had in the first half was off a rebound in Tigres’ box that Robin Jansson almost connects. Nahuel Molina came up big for Tigres. Orlando City’s backline delivered big time in this first half. Brekalo was bothersome for Gignac. The Frenchman couldn’t find any open space to generate attacking chances. As well, Muriel and Nicolas Lodeiro had a great first half. Best two lions of the first half in my opinion. The Colombian was being disruptive for Tigres’ backline. The Lions did not dominate possession this first half, but they were the ones with more clear chances to score. Something to keep in mind. Off to the second half.
First Half Stats:
In the second half, Orlando City came out to dominate the possession of the ball. But, the Lions’ midfield had something different in mind: let’s turn over the ball. Cesar Araujo started to easily lose the ball, and Tigres kept pushing the lions off the counter. Gignac was left completely open on the left flank several times, but fortunately, Tigres’ midfielders were not able to connect with him, thanks to a very compact Orlando City defense. Orlando City being defensively solid made it easier for them to regain composure and start creating chances by hitting Tigres with short passes in transition. Lodeiro had a great shot from a distance that went super close. After that shot by Lodeiro, it was all Orlando City, even after Ojeda and Ramiro were subbed in. Orlando dominated all chances. In the 81st minute, the Haaland of the heartland, Duncan McGuire, had a lobbed shot that almost surprised Nahuel Molina. Duncan came super close to scoring. It is safe to mention that Orlando City had to battle the whole game with horrible calls from Referee Walter Lopez, making the game super choppy and dragged out. Also, the constant issue of Orlando not being able to capitalize on chances is recurring; hopefully, this improves. At the end of the game, Orlando City got the draw at home and will travel to Estadio Universitario, also known as “EL VOLCAN,” to face Tigres on March 12th at 10:30 pm EST. Orlando City faces Minnesota United this Saturday at Inter&Co Stadium. Until then, see you at the pitch.
Vamos Orlando!
Final Stats:
All pictures thanks to Mark Thor and Orlando City Soccer Club
