Lions now the highest-seeded team remaining in the MLS Eastern Conference
In one of the most electrifying matches in Major League Soccer history, Orlando City SC emerged victorious over Charlotte FC Saturday in a contest that showcased the beautiful game's unpredictable nature and late-game dramatics, setting up a massive playoff showdown as the Eastern Conference's top remaining seed.
The tension built through 80 minutes of scoreless despite Orlando's dominant possession and chances. The deadlock was finally broken in the 81st minute through a brilliantly worked Charlotte FC goal. Karol Swiderski beat Orlando defender Robin Jansson on the wing, slid a pass to Liel Abada, who then delivered a perfect centering ball back to Swiderski to finish, stunning the home crowd.
What followed was an intense siege on Charlotte's goal, with Orlando throwing everything forward in search of an equalizer. The breakthrough moment came in the 96th minute when Duncan McGuire, who had been brought on as a substitute, was pulled down in the penalty area by Djibril Diani. Though the contact appeared delicate, the referee pointed to the spot, and VAR confirmed the decision, awarding Orlando City a penalty and a lifeline back into the match. The drama was far from over. Facundo Torres stepped up to take the penalty, but Charlotte goalie Kristijan Kahlina produced a brilliant save.
However, in a moment that epitomized the chaos of stoppage time, Charlotte's defense stood frozen as Torres reacted quickest to the rebound, tapping home the equalizer in the 101st minute and sending fans in Inter&Co Stadium into a frenzy.
The late equalizer completely shifted the momentum heading into the penalty shootout, where Orlando's players showed incredible composure. Luis Muriel set the tone with a confident opener, followed by Kyle Smith's unstoppable strike into the top corner. After Torres maintained his nerve to convert, Rafael Santos completed the 4-1 shootout victory with Orlando goalie Pedro Gallese proving unbeatable with two crucial saves.
The victory secures Orlando City SC's position as the highest-ranked team remaining in the Eastern Conference playoffs, guaranteeing crucial home-field advantage throughout their postseason run. Their next challenge comes on Sunday, Nov. 24 against a formidable Atlanta United side, who enter the match riding high after eliminating tournament favorites Inter Miami.
The upcoming playoff clash carries additional intrigue given Atlanta United's recent victory over Orlando City SC on Oct. 19. That result, combined with their impressive upset of Inter Miami, suggests Atlanta arrives with momentum and confidence.
