ORLANDO, Fla. (Nov. 30, 2024) — The No. 7 New York Red Bulls upset No. 4 Orlando City SC in the Eastern Conference Final on Saturday night, securing a 1-0 victory at Inter&Co Stadium to advance to their second MLS Cup Final. Andrés Reyes’ 47th-minute header proved decisive as the Red Bulls became the first No. 7 seed to reach the championship match, joining the 1998 Chicago Fire as the only teams to win three consecutive playoff matches on the road.
Orlando City, playing in its first-ever conference final, dominated possession and created several scoring opportunities but struggled to find the finishing touch. The Lions’ best chances came in the first half when Facundo Torres, the club’s all-time leading scorer, had a one-on-one effort denied by Red Bulls goalkeeper Carlos Coronel in the 32nd minute. Minutes later, Ramiro Enrique nearly capitalized on a goal kick, but the Red Bulls’ defense held firm.
The match’s lone goal came shortly after halftime. Following a foul outside Orlando’s box, New York’s John Tolkin delivered a pinpoint free kick to the far post, where Reyes rose above the defense to head home. The Red Bulls’ defense, anchored by Coronel, withstood relentless pressure from Orlando in the second half to preserve the shutout.
For the Lions, the loss capped a record-breaking season. They scored 59 goals during the regular season, the most in club history, while Torres surpassed Cyle Larin to become the team’s all-time leading scorer with 47 goals across all competitions. Under head coach Oscar Pareja, Orlando reached the MLS Cup Playoffs for the fifth straight year, a feat achieved by only one other active team.
“Tonight is painful,” Pareja said postgame. “We had a good season and so much to be proud of, but not achieving the objective hurts. Credit to New York — they took their chance, and we didn’t take ours.”
The Red Bulls now turn their attention to the MLS Cup, where they will face the Los Angeles Galaxy, 1-0 winners over the Seattle Sounders in the Western Conference Final. For first-year coach Sandro Schwarz, the Red Bulls’ improbable run continues as they aim for their first championship in club history.
Despite the heartbreak, Orlando City’s late-season form — highlighted by a 9-2-4 record and a +21-goal differential at home since June — showcases the foundation for future success.
