Orlando, FL – Orlando City SC defeated Charlotte FC 4-1 in penalty kicks after a 1-1 draw in regulation, advancing to the Eastern Conference Semifinals of the 2024 Audi MLS Cup Playoffs. They will face the winner of the Atlanta United vs. Inter Miami match, also held Saturday night.
Facundo Torres emerged as the hero of the day, scoring the equalizer in stoppage time by converting the rebound of his own penalty kick.
In the shootout, Orlando stepped up confidently, netting all four of their penalties past Charlotte goalkeeper Kristijan Kahlina, while Orlando’s keeper, Pedro Gallese, denied Charlotte’s first two attempts, resulting in the decisive 4-1 victory.
Despite the scoreline, Orlando dominated offensively. They held 60% possession, took 20 shots (with six on target and ten off target), and had only four shots blocked. Charlotte, on the other hand, managed just seven shots, with four on target.
Reflecting Charlotte’s physical approach, they received six yellow cards compared to Orlando’s one. Orlando also dominated with passes in the attacking third, leading Charlotte 211 to 79.
Unlike past meetings, Charlotte came out aggressively from the opening whistle, pressing Orlando right away. However, Orlando was prepared, poised, and focused on executing head coach Oscar Pareja’s game plan.
Charlotte took the lead late in the second half when Liel Abada drove to the endline and whipped a cross into the box, finding Karol Swiderski, who slotted the ball into the bottom corner.
In the 90+12′ minute, City leveled the match after Duncan McGuire was fouled in the penalty area. After a Video Assistant Review, Orlando was awarded a penalty. Facundo Torres had his initial penalty saved, but pounced on the rebound to tap in the equalizer and send the match to a shootout.
Orlando City head coach Oscar Pareja was thrilled with the win and expressed gratitude to the fans.
> “Well, thank you all for your efforts on behalf of our players and staff and everyone who made this happen. Today we are incredibly grateful to the fans. The atmosphere was phenomenal. Just seeing them in the stadium supporting us is the best feeling, and to reward them with a win makes it even better. I think we were the better team in this series, but the game didn’t open up for us. When they scored and sat back, it was tough to find space, but we finally did. I think the penalty shootout was a fair result for our effort throughout the series.”
Later that night, Orlando learned they will face Eastern Conference rivals Atlanta United, who defeated Inter Miami CF 3-2, sending superstar Lionel Messi and Miami home early.
The two teams will meet after a two-week international break for the Eastern Conference Semifinals in the Audi 2024 MLS Playoffs.
