Orlando falls to Philadelphia 4-2 in their 2025 MLS Season opener

Orlando, FL – This year’s slogan for Orlando City SC is “A Perfect Storm,” and a perfect storm it was. Unfortunately, the philosophical conditions were too much to bear for the home team. Tonight’s final; Orlando falls to Philadelphia 4-2 in their 2025 MLS Season opener.

The starting lineup saw two newcomers enter the pitch, Marco Pasalic and Eduard Atuesta. An 18% personnel change from last season made a 100% difference to start the game. Pasalic scored in the 8^th minute becoming the fastest player to score in their OC MLS debut. Only one other Lion has scored in their first-half debut- Daryl Dike. Martin Ojeda and Eduard Atuesta were credited with the assist on the Pasalic goal.

At the half, #OrlandoCity & #DOOP are all knotted up. Marco Pasalic’s goal is the fastest ever goal scored in an Orlando City debut game. Previous record was held by Daryl Dike, scoring in the 18th minute vs #InterMiami on August 22nd, 2020.#VamosOrlandopic.twitter.com/sRHXPC2VFA

— Gustavo Chacon (@onaPSIh) February 23, 2025

The play and atmosphere in the first half could be felt throughout the stadium. A sense of hope, a glimmer of what is to come, a shot at another postseason? Excitement was brewing despite the 1-1 score. The Lions brought the thunder the first 45 minutes plus stoppage. Sadly, with thunder, often comes rain. That was all the foreshadowing needed as the play picked up in the second half.

When it rains, it pours

No umbrella could have stopped the downpour Orlando faced during the latter portion of the match. Despite giving up three additional goals, Pasalic was able to capitalize once again scoring in the 78^th minute. Pasalic was by far the biggest glimmer of sunshine behind the scattered storm clouds of the contest. Both Pasalic and Atuesta deserve credit for a job well done in their Orlando City debut. Pasalic ended up with a brace while Atuesta tallied an assist to start their young OC campaign.

There was one gleaming omission from tonight’s match, Robin Jansson. Jansson was slated to start but was a last-minute scratch. David Brekalo came in to fill the vacant spot but the void of Jansson being out was felt. For the team to be successful moving forward, they are going to need their captain on the pitch.

Robin Jannson was a late scratch from the starting lineup in a game with many defensive breakdowns for #OrlandoCity. I asked Coach Pareja if his unavailability after planning on him playing led to all the mistakes on the back line. His answer was anything but an excuse. pic.twitter.com/PQssVdBqqo

— Gustavo Chacon (@onaPSIh) February 23, 2025

Despite the “inclement weather”, Orlando will find a way to use their new assets to improve on last season’s record. Pasalic stated, “My expectation is that we are improving, that we are winning. This is my first target. I am a team player. Today it is not important that I scored two goals as we lost 4-2.” Although a score of 2-4 does not look good on paper for the purple and gold, the campaign is still young. Pasalic and Atuesta provide hope. If there is one thing Orlando City fans know, hope goes a long way. Vamos Orlando!

That’s a wrap from the #OrlandoCity season opener! They were handed a 4-2 home loss to start the season. Here are my and new LCL🍋 OCSC🦁 reporter @Saylor3426320’s thoughts on the match.#VamosOrlando | #JuiceOfTheDay pic.twitter.com/zESY1TYXtr

— Gustavo Chacon (@onaPSIh) February 23, 2025