Orlando City take game one over Charlotte FC

Orlando, FL – There have been some recurring themes with this Orlando City team this season. For one, cohesion between new signees and returning Lions. Also, establishing and maintaining momentum. The latter is mostly off the back of familiar faces. After last season, Orlando was considered one of the favorites to lift the MLS Cup this season. However, after an abysmal start to the season, those outside expectations came crashing back down to Earth. The squad had a tough time acclimating newcomers Nico Lodeiro and Luis Muriel into the squad and they eventually found themselves at the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings. Nevertheless, from July on, they figured it out and began a momentum-building run that saw them become the hottest MLS team going into the playoffs. All that led to today’s 2-0 Orlando victory in game one of this three-game series over Charlotte FC.

Facundo Torres has set a new single-season #OrlandoCity club record with his 19th goal of the season in all comps!
Cyle Larin scored 18 in 2015.#VamosOrlando pic.twitter.com/bCVsf3fThE

— Gustavo Chacon (@onaPSIh) October 28, 2024

Facundo Torres, Breaker of Records

Orlando City became a force in the MLS when they lifted the 2022 US Open Cup, their first-ever top-flight trophy. The catalyst for that run? Facundo Torres. The following season was Orlando’s best season in club history, with 18 regular season wins and accumulating 63 points. They also finished 2nd in the East Conference standings. Their leading goal-scorer? Facundo Torres. Fast forward to this season, and even with all their early-season hardships, the one constant has been Facundo Torres. With today’s goal (19), he broke Cyle Larin’s (18) single-season goal-scoring club record in all competitions. The Young Uruguayan has cemented himself as the club’s GOAT. Sorry Kaka, sorry Nani. Facu is now the club’s all-time leading goal-scorer as well, earning that title earlier this month against Philly.

I asked Facu postgame about being considered the club’s most important player in its history. He said he takes a lot of pride in being able to carry himself well on and off the pitch.

Facu Torres is arguably the most important player in the history of #OrlandoCity. There’s no argument IMO. I asked him about being considered the OCSC GOAT. He takes pride in everything he does and that’s why he has so much success. #VamosOrlando pic.twitter.com/VUxDkC3IcP

— Gustavo Chacon (@onaPSIh) October 28, 2024

For good measure, it’s only fitting that Facu opened up the scoring for Orlando to give the Lions the 1-0 lead in game one of this three-game MLS Cup Playoffs series over Charlotte FC. He found a poorly cleared ball inside the 18. From that range, he’s automatic.

FACU makes it 1-0 in ‘32! #OrlandoCity lead #ForTheCrown in game one of this #MLSCupPlayoffs series. Facundo Torres rips a shot off a poorly-cleared ball inside the 18.#VamosOrlandopic.twitter.com/hnQ5Sp0Aam

— Gustavo Chacon (@onaPSIh) October 28, 2024

It’s a Team Effort

Another big reason for Orlando’s rise has been Martin Ojeda. Last season, he led the team in assists and was third in goal contributions. This season he also led the team in assists and is second in goal contributions. Once again, it’s only fitting that he’d score Orlando’s second goal to put them up 2-0 in ’76. Ivan Angulo had a speedy run down the wing to bring the ball up and it was his cross that Ojeda buried to put Orlando up 2-0. That’s how the match would end.

Angulo ➡️ Ojeda 🦵🏼 GOAL!#OrlandoCity leads 2-0 over #ForTheCrown.#VamosOrlandopic.twitter.com/2tGxd3vbs0

— Gustavo Chacon (@onaPSIh) October 28, 2024

Next up, Orlando heads to Charlotte to try and put this series behind them. Kickoff is Friday, Nov. 1st at 7:30 p.m.