Orlando City was performing well at their home stadium until Rodrigo Schlegel was shown a red card, resulting in a 0-0 draw against New York Red Bulls at Inter&Co Stadium.
Despite having opportunities to score, the red card made Orlando City focus on defending their lead. This draw extended Orlando City’s unbeaten run to five games, with 2 wins and 3 draws, but they have not won in their last two matches.
The Red Bulls have not been successful in any away games, only managing to secure 2 draws.
Orlando City faced their first pair of goalless games in the 2023 season against New York, as they also tied with FC Cincinnati and Tigres at home. Head coach Pareja kept the same lineup from the previous match, with Gallese in goal and Brekalo, Jansson, Schlegel, and Freeman in defense. Gerbet and Thorhallsson were in midfield, supporting Angulo, Ojeda, and Pasalic in attack, with Muriel leading the front line.
Orlando City had an early opportunity to score when Freeman set up Thorhallsson for a shot, but Corona saved Muriel’s attempt. Choupo-Moting scored a goal that was later disallowed. The Lions had possession dominance at the start, with Pasalic coming close to scoring near the penalty area. New York had some chances to score, but Orlando City struggled converting their chances into goals.
Coach Pareja commended Gerbet and Thorhallsson for their performance under pressure. After Schlegel’s red card, New York started to pressure Orlando City, forcing a corner that turned into a counterattack. However, Orlando’s attacking efforts did not result in a goal, leading to a draw.
The competition intensified as the Red Bulls gained possession after changes in Orlando City’s midfield. Carmona had a shot saved in the 76th minute, Atuesta committed a foul, and Carballo missed a header near the goal.
Nealis attempted a long-range shot that went over the goal in the 87th minute. Valencia received a yellow card for simulation instead of being awarded a penalty in the 89th minute.
Orlando struggled to create chances during stoppage time but remained solid defensively. New York had a slight opportunity in the added fifth minute, but Freeman stopped the shot.
The game concluded in a 0-0 draw, with Schlegel getting a second yellow card. Orlando City will be on the road for their fifth out of seven games when they face Montreal on Saturday.
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