ORLANDO, Fla. – Orlando City entered Wednesday’s game with only six goals in eight games to their name. But the Lions came alive against Charlotte FC, winning 4-1 in the team’s second win on the season.
“I think it’s about time,” said interim head coach Martín Perelman after the game. “The more time we have, the better we can do things on and off the field. In this industry, and in life in general, it’s about time. Every time we have one more session and every time we have one more game, we should be developing our team, and it’s only about time.”
Midfielder Luís Otávio opened the scoring for City in the first half, although Charlotte leveled it at 1-1 going into halftime. Midfielder Martín Ojeda scored twice in the second half, including a free kick brace in the 61st minute. Midfielder Ignacio Gómez added one more for the Lions late in the second half.
“This was one of the best games we’ve played so far,” said Otávio. “It shows the depth, strength and determination of the team, and we hope to continue building on this moving forward.”
In the first six games this season, Orlando City gave up 23 goals. Since then, the team has allowed only three goals in the last three MLS games. However, the Lions have had a tough time finding the back of the net, until the floodgates seemed to open against Charlotte on Wednesday.
“I think [Charlotte is] a good team right now and obviously we haven’t been at our best, but we see every game as a new opportunity to get three points,” forward Justin Ellis said. “Right now, we don’t have a lot of time to train, so playing these games is good for us. We’re still improving; we’re still getting to where we want to be and where we’re going to be. I think we’re doing well now.”
Now, the Lions will be on the road for the next four games, including a U.S. Open Cup match at New England Revolution (Wednesday, April 29) and a trip to Inter Miami’s new stadium (Sunday, May 2).
“We are working, and the team is growing,” said Perelman. “The players are giving an amazing effort, and we didn’t win the league today, and we didn’t lose it two days ago. This is a long season. What matters is where we stand at the end. That is our mindset.”
Orlando City will be back at Inter&Co Stadium on Saturday, May 13, against Philadelphia Union.