Orlando City SC Dominates D.C. United 4-1, Designated Players Shine

ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN SPORTS) – Orlando City SC (2-2-1, 7 points) delivered a commanding 4-1 victory over D.C. United (1-1-3, 6 points) on Saturday night at Inter&Co Stadium, handing the visitors their first loss of the season. In a historic performance, all three of the Lions’ Designated Players found the back of the net in the same match for the first time in club history.

Offensive Explosion Fuels Orlando City’s Victory

Orlando City wasted no time setting the tone, breaking through in the 21st minute when Luis Muriel connected on a header off a cross from Alex Freeman, assisted by Iván Angulo. The Lions doubled their lead in the 44th minute, courtesy of a deflected strike from Martín Ojeda after Angulo disrupted D.C.’s defense.

The second half saw continued dominance from the home side. Freeman found the net in the 50th minute with a header off a free kick delivered by Ojeda. Marco Pašalić sealed the deal in the 56th minute, curling a spectacular left-footed shot into the top corner, earning him the Heineken Star of the Match.

D.C. United managed to get on the board in stoppage time (90+1′) when Lukas MacNaughton headed in a goal, assisted by Christian Benteke and Rida Zouhir.

Historic Night and Key Performances

• Martín Ojeda recorded his 24th and 25th career assists, tying with club legend Nani for second-most in team history.
• Luis Muriel netted his second goal of the 2025 season, bringing his total to seven across all competitions for Orlando City.
• Homegrown goalkeeper Javier Otero made his first career MLS start, recording four saves and securing his first win.
• Alex Freeman (20 years, 227 days) became the second-youngest player in club history to register a goal and assist in a single match, behind only Daryl Dike.

What’s Next for Orlando City?

The Lions will now prepare for a cross-country showdown with the defending MLS Cup champions, LA Galaxy, on Saturday, March 29, at Dignity Health Sports Park. Kickoff is set for 10:30 p.m. ET and will air on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV.

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Monica Hoyos and Harry Clastiblanco
Florida National News and FNN News Network
Sports@FloridaNationalNews.com