Oscar Pareja used the same lineup used against Inter Miami in their last preseason game. The big surprise was Brekalo’s inclusion in the starting XI as Robin Jansson felt a knock during warmups. Cesar Araujo and Eduard Atuesta started in midfield, providing great support to an offensive trio consisting of Angulo, Martin Ojeda, and Pasalic. LPO hit it spot on with the lineup in our game preview.
@lpo_podcast Pregame rituals. Everything is ready for Orlando City vs. Philadelphia Union. Stay tuned to Loud & Proud Orlando. #VamosOrlando #OrlandoCity #PhiladelphiaUnion #MLS #Orlando #Philadelphia
Orlando City exhibited good organization throughout the match, but costly errors by individual players, particularly in the defense, proved to be damaging. These mistakes could have been prevented if the Lions had not failed to convert clear scoring opportunities.
First chance for the lions started quite early. An impressive transition play on the left flank, created a chance for Marco Pasalic. Despite using his weaker right foot, the Croatian International missed the left post, sending it wide in the opening minute.
After earning a corner kick five minutes into the game, Ojeda delivered a cross that reached David Brekalo in the penalty area. Unfortunately, the defender’s header was stopped in front of goal in a massive night for Blake (Philadephia Union).
Minutes later, Atuesta passed the ball to Ojeda, who then passed it to Pasalic on the right side. The Croatian Superman cut inside and unleashed a powerful shot that beat Andre Blake, putting the lions ahead 1-0 in the eighth minute. Marco Pasalic’s scored his first goal in the MLS, Eduard Atuesta earned his first assist as a Lion.
@lpo_podcast Orlando City fell to the Philadelphia Union in their home opener, at Inter&Co Stadium on Saturday night via a 4-2 result. The Lions will look to get in the win column in their second match of the season against Toronto FC, on Saturday, March 1, at Inter&Co Stadium. On his debut for Orlando City, Marco Pašalić scored two goals with four shots on target, becoming the first player in Club history to record a brace in his debut match. Full Interviews | LINK IN BIO 🚨 #VamosOrlando #OrlandoCity #MLS #philadelphiaunion
Orlando City controlled the game for the majority of the first 20 minutes, while Philadelphia Union had sporadic chances that did not create much danger. The Union equalized in the 24th minute after taking advantage of a defensive blunder by Angulo. The Union went in transition and Kai Wagner crossed perfectly to Baribo, who scored to make it 1-1. In the 36th minute, Pasalic tried to score with a powerful shot but was saved by Blake, leading to a corner kick for Orlando. Despite the set piece opportunities, Orlando was unable to capitalize on them. Pasalic then set up Ojeda to take a shot from the edge of the penalty area in the 39th minute, however, Blake to saved the Argentine’s attempt. At halftime, the Lions were leading in various aspects of the game.
In the second half, the Union took control and scored first due to defensive blunders by the Lions. A precise cross from Sullivan to Gazdag enabled them to score their second goal, followed quickly by a third. Bad day in the office for Rafael Santos. Uhre then increased the lead to 3-1 in the 50th minute.
Orlando had chances to score but were denied by Andre Blake’s outstanding saves, including a great header from Muriel. In the 77th minute, Orlando City almost scored but missed the shot, resulting in a corner kick.
The Lions managed to score their second goal in a chaotic play in front of the goal, making it 4-2. It was again, Marco Pasalic which had a brace in his MLS debut.
Despite statistical advantages, Orlando lost their first game of the MLS season due to missed opportunities and individual defensive blunders.
The Lions will try to bounce back in their next game against Toronto FC at Inter&Co Stadium.
Vamos Orlando!
