CONCACAF Champions League: Orlando City Out, Despite 1-1 Draw Against Tigres
Facundo Torres (#17) attempts a steal for Orlando City SC against the Tigres UANL during the CONCACAF Champions League match at Exploria Stadium in Orlando March 15, 2023. Photo: Harry Castiblanco/Florida National News.
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) – The atmosphere in Exploria Stadium was absolutely electric in Orlando’s first ever CONCACAF Champions League match. Orlando City hosted a feisty Tigres UANL in a classic encounter of the jungle. However, this showdown of Lions vs. Tigres complicated itself quickly. Pedro Gallese had already started feeling pressure from Ibanez and the like as the offense for the Mexican side came early and often. Ivan Angulo found a wonderful chance against the run of play in the 19th minute, but it was just a little bit off-target.
That lapse of precision would soon be paid in full for Orlando City. Just two minutes later, Sebastian Cordova would find a chance and refuse to make the same mistake. The former America midfielder made his presence felt in this encounter turning the deficit to 1-0. A crucial away goal, but Orlando City and their rabid fans were yet to be outdone with much football left to be played. Orlando City did accrue three yellow cards due to some clumsy and late defensive mishaps.
Survival of the fittest
The second half saw a continued level of intensity as both Tigres and Orlando refused to give an inch in open field. Ticky tac fouls, hard tackles and change of possession became rampant for the next 20 minutes. Even with substitutes, the Orlando City attack continued to seem flat-footed and waning. Pedro Gallese once again continues to be the towering figure of resilience for this Orlando City team. However, how far can a soccer club make it with their goalkeeper being the best player?
The lack of attacking and shots taken from Orlando City continue to be a worrying trend for the MLS playoff hopefuls. There is simply too much infrastructure, too much longevity, and too much talent on this team for Orlando to not seek more from their players especially in front of goal. There seems to be a lack of confidence across the board for these attacking players.
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Nicolas Vera is a reporter for Florida National News, part of the FNN News Network. | info@floridanationalnews.com