Orlando City in a new starting formation rout DC United

Orlando, FL – Land of the free, home of Freeman. A different starting formation, chemistry that worked, and plenty of goal-scoring opportunities were all ingredients for success as Orlando City rout DC United. Time to unpack match week 5.

A new starting formation creates a connection

The First Amendment was ratified during the first half of the Orlando City SC vs. DC United contest—the freedom of speech, press, assembly, petition, and the right to score goals. The Lions were firing on all cylinders, and the unaccustomed 4-4-2 lineup was in full force. During the first fifteen minutes, Orlando saw six goal-scoring opportunities. Most of those chances came from the Batman and Robin-like duo of Marco Pasalic and Luis Muriel. There was a clear connection between the two players. In the 15th minute, Muriel barely missed wide on a beautiful assist from Pasalic. That missed opportunity was short-lived as Muriel headed a goal during the 20th minute with an assist from Alex Freeman.

Big switch up from Coach Pareja!
He’s going with a 2-4-4. Ojeda and Muriel starting up top. Reaction to missing guys on Int’l duty or did he learn something about the new signees? Stay tuned postgame to @LemonCityLive! pic.twitter.com/9TDYLLdLjK

— Gustavo Chacon (@onaPSIh) March 22, 2025

The scoring onslaught during the first half did not stop there as Martin Ojeda was able to find the back of the net with an assist from Ivan Angulo. Javier Otero, the starting goalie for Orlando City (Pedro Gallese is out on international duty) did not see many shots on net. The only threat came during the 25th minute when Otero came out of the net to defend and was backed up by his fellow teammate to clear the ball. Despite Orlando finishing the first half 2-0, DC United had a larger possession time, 54% vs Orlando’s 46%.

A change in approach got the job done

In soccer, earmarking means setting goals aside for a particular purpose. If City fans wanted more from the season’s first four games, game five surely made up for it. During the second half, Orlando City was relentless. Freeman scored in the 50th minute, his second goal of the season. An assist was credited to Martin Ojeda. The rookie sensation Marco Pasalic tallied a goal during the 56th minute. Pasalic now leads the MLS in individual goals scored. Take a deep breath and have a zen-like moment as the assist came from Ojeda, his second of the night.

Red, white shirt, and blue… There was someone who was able to slow down Orlando City, the official, as a yellow card was pulled out during the 66th minute to Javier Otero for a delay-of-game violation. There was a party in the 407, and DC United was clearly not invited. On a side note, DC United was able to tally a goal in the 91st minute credited to Lukas MacNaughton.

During the postgame press conference, Pasalic was asked exclusively by Lemon City Live,” How did it feel to be back at home?” Pasalic grinned widely and stated simply, “Very good.” Orlando City fans couldn’t agree more.

#lemoncitylive exclusive. Marco Pasalic with a simple answer to how it feels being back at home. pic.twitter.com/hOnutd7B6z

— Michael Saylor 34 (@Saylor3426320) March 23, 2025

The goal is to lead

Write to the House, write to the Senate, and request a 51st state be added to the map as Orlando deserved all the stardom it received tonight. Freeman shined, adding a goal and an assist to his season totals. During the postgame press conference, Coach Oscar Pareja noted that the USMNT needs to take notice of Alex Freeman. Tincho calmly upped his stat line by generously giving the fans a goal and two assists. Pasalic, for the fourth time, put points on the board. Was it mentioned that Muriel also scored and Angulo had an assist? Was it also mentioned that this was the first time in Orlando City history that all three designated players scored (Muriel, Ojeda, and Pasalic)?

This was no prolonged filibuster by the Lions. This was a clear statement. The Lions are here to play, and their performance tonight moved them up the leaderboard, and rightfully so. Orlando City SC now leads the MLS in total goals scored. Let the epilogue read; Orlando City SC 4- DC United 1.