ORLANDO, Fla. (Sept. 14, 2024) – Orlando City SC (11-10-7, 40 points) dominated the New England Revolution (8-16-3, 27 points) in a 3-0 victory on Saturday night at Inter&Co Stadium. The Lions extended their home unbeaten streak to eight games across all competitions and have scored in their last six matches in Orlando. Head Coach Oscar Pareja won his 170th regular-season game, tying Dominic Kinnear for fifth-most in MLS history.
Defender Rafael Santos got the scoring started for the Lions midway through the first half off a feed from Iván Angulo. The Brazilian scored his first goal of the 2024 campaign and his second all-time for Orlando City across all competitions.
Forward Facundo Torres doubled the Lions’ lead just before halftime after drilling a penalty kick after a New England handball in their defensive box. Torres scored his team-leading 15th goal of the 2024 season across all competitions and his 42nd of his career. He’s now two goals away from tying Cyle Larin for most goals all-time in Club history.
Goalkeeper Pedro Gallese appeared in his 150th game across all competitions for the Lions and with two saves picked up his eighth clean sheet of the year in all competitions.
The Lions will face a quick turnaround this week as they host their next game at Inter&Co Stadium on Wednesday, Sept. 18, to welcome Charlotte FC. Orlando City and Charlotte will face off on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV and FS1, with kickoff scheduled for 8:15 p.m. ET.
Scoring Summary:
22’ Rafael Santos (Iván Angulo) – ORL 1, NE 0
The Lions jumped out to an early 1-0 lead midway through the first half. After winning a corner kick, Martín Ojeda passed it short to Iván Angulo before turning and sending a low cross to Rafael Santos just outside the Revolution’s box. The Brazilian defender controlled the ball quickly and drilled the shot into the upper corner of the net for his first goal of the 2024 season.
45+2’ Facundo Torres (Penalty Kick) – ORL 2, NE 0
Orlando doubled its lead after a New England handball was called in the Revolutions’ box at the beginning of stoppage time. Facundo Torres stepped up for the ensuing penalty kick and faked out the goalkeeper, sending a shot into the upper right corner of the net.
74’ Duncan McGuire (Nico Lodeiro) – ORL 3, NE 0
The Lions added to their lead, led by a pair of second-half substitutes. After gaining control in their defensive box, Torres led Nico Lodeiro out on the right side of the field. Lodeiro then sent a long pass to Duncan McGuire down the middle of the field who finished off the play slipping in a shot under the New England goalkeeper.
Head Coach Oscar Pareja:
“We feel very [good]. I would like to remark on the discipline of the players in a very difficult game. It seems like we were precise in the moments that we needed the most, but the discipline and the commitment that we have within the structure of the team was to survive in the moments where New England had their chances. So, while we're growing collectively, the team will have better chances to have performances like these and winning more points. So, we're happy with it. And now, within the game, I thought we had control and when we had the chances, that is something that made me very optimistic for what is coming. We are precise in the box. We're scoring goals again, and that makes us look like we're in a good place. Congratulations to the players. To the fans, thanks for joining us today. Seeing them in the stands always will be very encouraging for us.”
Match Notes:
- Defender Rafael Santos scored his first goal of the 2024 campaign, tallying just his second goal all-time for the Lions across all competitions. Rafael Santos’ last goal came last season on May 21 in a 3-1 win at Inter Miami CF.
- Forward Duncan McGuire tallied his ninth goal of 2024 across all competitions, marking his 24th all-time. With the goal, McGuire tied former Lion Dom Dwyer for fifth most goals in Club history and now sits just one goal away from tying Club legend Kaká for fourth all-time.
- Forward Facundo Torres tallied his 15th goal of 2024 across all competitions and his 42nd all-time, moving him within two of Orlando City’s all-time record holder Cyle Larin (44).
- Orlando City has now scored in six-straight MLS matches Inter&Co Stadium.
- Forward Iván Angulo provided his eighth assist of the 2024 campaign across all competitions and his 19th all-time for the Lions.
- With the win tonight, Head Coach Oscar Pareja tied Dominic Kinnear for fifth-most regular season wins (170) in MLS history.
- Goalkeeper Pedro Gallese made his 150th appearance for the Lions across all competitions, becoming just the third player in Club history to pass 150 games.
- Head Coach Oscar Pareja made no changes to his starting lineup from his side’s last match against Nashville SC.
