Orlando’s Domination Begins: Lions Top Charlotte 2-0 in Audi 2024 MSL Playoff Opener
ORLANDO, FL – No. 4 Orlando City SC took a decisive step toward the next round of the Audi 2024 MLS Cup Playoffs, beating No. 5 Charlotte FC 2-0 at Inter&Co Stadium on Sunday night. The win gives Orlando an early lead in the best-of-three series as they set their sights on the Conference Semifinals.
From the opening whistle, Orlando dictated the tempo, skillfully controlling possession while Charlotte adopted a more defensive stance, looking to break forward on the counter. But “The Crown” left gaps, allowing the Lions room to orchestrate chances—and they took full advantage.
The breakthrough came in the 32nd minute, with forward Facundo Torres finding the back of the net for his 19th goal of the season. The goal, which saw him surpass Orlando City icon Cyle Larin’s single-season mark, was also his tenth involvement in a scoring play against Charlotte, solidifying his role as the go-to finisher for the Lions.
In the 76th minute, Martín Ojeda struck an insurance goal for Orlando, his seventh of the year across all competitions, assisted by Iván Angulo, who logged his 11th helper of the season on the play. Orlando’s offensive pressure and quick passing were on display throughout the night, keeping Charlotte’s back line under constant duress.
“We’re thrilled with the result, especially for the way we did it against a tough opponent in a high-stakes game for our fans,” said Head Coach Oscar Pareja. “In the first half, we controlled the pace and created several chances. We missed a few, but two were enough to give us a solid advantage.”
Orlando had ample opportunities to pad their lead, but a handful of missed finishes left the score at 2-0. However, the Lions capitalized on the crucial moments to secure Game 1.
The action’s highlight came late in the first half when Iván Angulo launched an attack straight through Charlotte’s defensive core, threading a pass out wide to Rafael Santos. Santos sent a pinpoint cross into the box, which deflected off a Charlotte defender and landed perfectly for Torres. The Uruguayan winger took it in stride, firing a shot that rattled the underside of the crossbar before finding the net, sending the home crowd into a frenzy.
Orlando sealed the victory in the 76th minute after a superb long ball from César Araújo split Charlotte’s back line, finding Angulo in space. Angulo whipped a first-time cross into the box, which Ojeda calmly controlled, slotting his shot between goalkeeper Kristijan Kahlina and the near post to extend the Lions’ lead.
The win marked Orlando’s first multi-goal performance in the Audi MLS Playoffs and extended their streak of shutouts in opening-round playoff matches to three, dating back to 2023 when they blanked Nashville twice.
Orlando City will aim to clinch the series in Game 2 on Friday, Nov. 1, at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, where a win would send them into the Conference Semifinals. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET.
