Oscar Pareja chose to use the 3-5-2 formation, with Pedro Gallese as the goalkeeper and a defensive line made up of Rodrigo Schlegel, Wilder Cartagena, and David Brekalo. Robin Jansson returned to the lineup as a substitute. Facundo Torres and Dagur Dan Thorhallsson played as wingbacks, with a midfield trio of Ivan Angulo, Cesar Araujo, and Nico Lodeiro, while Jack Lynn and Luis Muriel led the attack. Orlando focused on maintaining their defensive structure against the Crew, looking to take advantage of turnovers and launch quick counterattacks.
While this approach worked well in the first half, Orlando struggled to break through and the Crew’s defenders effectively prevented scoring chances for the Lions. Early in the game, the Lions had a chance when Angulo passed to Muriel, whose shot missed, resulting in a corner kick. Despite the opportunity, the Lions were unable to capitalize on the corner. In the 11th minute, Araujo passed to Angulo on the right, but Angulo lost control, leading to another corner. The Lions tried a short corner, with Muriel attempting a give-and-go, but it was offside. In the 15th minute, Muriel won a corner with his redirected shot. Lodeiro’s cross found Cartagena, but he missed with his header. Shortly after the water break, Lodeiro’s shot missed narrowly.
In a surprising turn of events, the Crew took the lead just as Orlando seemed likely to score. Lodeiro passed to Muriel, who was fouled by Moreira, leading to a penalty kick which Rossi converted. Orlando found themselves vulnerable in the second half, with Torres isolated and Arfsten taking a shot, saved by Schlegel. Angulo’s cross was saved in the 55th minute, and Muriel drew a foul from Camacho. In the 59th minute, Pareja made three substitutions, but the Crew extended their lead in the 61st minute with Rossi’s goal.
Orlando had chances, but couldn’t convert. Enrique found it challenging to return to form after his injury break. Orlando was not able to score in their final chance, leading to another defeat at home. They have little rest before their next matches against the Fire and Red Bulls.
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