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Orlando City's Nicolás Lodeiro fights for the ball in Saturday's 4-2 win over the Chicago Fire in MLS action. PHOTO/MARIO CASAMALHUAPA -
Mason Stajduhar got the start in goal Saturday for Orlando City with Pedro Gallese off with Peru in Copa America. PHOTO/MARIO CASAMALHUAPA -
Solid crowd at Inter&Co Stadium to see Orlando City knock off the Chicago Fire 4-2 in MLS action. PHOTO/MARIO CASAMALHUAPA -
Rodrigo Schlegel (right) defends against the Chicago Fire. PHOTO/MARIO CASAMALHUAPA -
Facundo Torres works to put Orlando City in position for an offensive strike in Saturday's match. PHOTO/MARIO CASAMALHUAPA
By Mario Casamalhuapa
For the News-Gazette
Orlando City SC secured a crucial 4-2 victory over Chicago Fire FC on Pride Night at INTER&Co Stadium, which marked the eight-year anniversary of the Pulse nightclub tragedy and honoring those lost. It was the first home game since the June 12 anniversary.
The match began very, very well for the purple-clad Lions, with an early goal by Uruguayan international Facundo Torres in the 4th minute. Torres, streaking down the right side, reached the 18-yard box and shot far post with his left foot, setting the tone for the match. Orlando City continued to dominate, with Ivan Angulo being fouled in the 19th minute while attacking on the left side of the penalty box. Colombian soccer player Luis Muriel converted the resulting penalty, making it 2-0.
In the 29th minute, Dagur Dan Thórhallsson dribbled into the box and his shot deflected off a Chicago defender, allowing Ivan Angulo to tap it in for a 3-0 lead. This early dominance was a welcome change for Orlando City, which had struggled to get ahead in recent games.
Chicago Fire managed to get back into the match in the 52nd minute when Rodrigo Schlegel's sliding tackle resulted in a handball and a penalty. Swiss international Maren Haile-Selassie scored the penalty in the 53rd minute, making it 3-1. However, Orlando City responded quickly with Facundo Torres scoring a stunning 20-yard goal into the top left corner in the 60th minute.
Chicago Fire continued to push, and in the 69th minute, Belgian player Hugo Cuypers scored, making it 4-2. Despite Chicago Fire's efforts, Orlando City held on to secure the win.
Although Chicago Fire had more shots and possession, Orlando City's early goals, strong defense, and great goalkeeping by Mason Stajduhar, who had 10 saves, proved decisive. This win propels Orlando City to 10th place in the Eastern Conference standings, three points out of a playoff spot.
The Lions will next face New York City FC on Friday in New York.
