Orlando City Stays in Playoff Contention After Late DC United Win
Junior Urso (#11) and other Orlando City SC players celebrate after Robin Jansson scores an early goal against DC United at Exploria Stadium Saturday, October 2, 2021. Photo: Willie David/Florida National News.
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN SPORTS) – Orlando City SC needed a win Saturday, especially after their recent loss to #1 New England.
Despite the high stakes, Orlando City began at a disadvantage. An aggressive DC United wasted no time scoring against Orlando Saturday. Julian Gressel found the back of the net in the sixth minute. DC United has a habit of scattering the ball to lure goalies out of the box, opening the net for a strong shot. Saturday’s first goal was no exception.
Orlando City replied in the 16th minute. Off of Pereyra’s corner kick and Junior Urso headed it at the net. Though DC blocked his attempt, Robin Jansson was able to finish with a left kick into the top of the net, tying the game at 1-1.
In the 20th minute, DC’s physicality cost them. In a tough tackle taking Orlando City’s Benji Michel down on a fast break, Tony Alfaro earned himself a yellow card.
Orlando had a slight slow-down in the 23rd minute with two attackers going down: Ruan Texeira and Daryl Dike. Ruan resumed play immediately; Dike was walked off the pitch briefly, then returned.
Orlando City had a chance in the 36th minute, but unfortunately missed. Luis Nani made a right pass to line Benji Michel up for a goal, and DC goalie just happened to jump out of the box, leaving the goal open, but Michel’s kick went too wide, sending the ball rolling past the right corner.
Both teams made substitutions at halftime: Orlando City subbed in Emmanuel Mas for Joao Moutinho, and DC United subbed in Flores for Reyna.
62nd minute DC subbed in Nigel Robertha for Paul Arriola.
In the 81st minute, Orlando City made three subs: Tesho Akindele for Nani, Mueller for Benji Michel and Andres Perea for Sebas Mendez.
After a contentious second half with DC’s defense blocking every shot attempt, Daryl Dike turned the tide in the game in stoppage time with a last minute goal from a corner kick from Chris Mueller, securing Orlando’s very-needed three points with a 2-1 final score. Dike’s finish was that much sweeter given that this was his third game in a row scoring.