Timbers down RSL 2-0 for conference title, MLS final berth
MLS Real Salt Lake Timbers Soccer Portland Timbers midfielder Marvin Loria, front left, and Real Salt Lake midfielder Nick Beslern (13) compete for the ball during the first half of the MLS soccer Western Conference final Saturday, Dec. 4, 2021, in Portland, Ore. (AP Photo/Amanda Loman) (Amanda Loman)PORTLAND, Ore. — (AP) — Felipe Mora and Santiago Moreno scored and the Portland Timbers advanced to the MLS Cup final with a 2-0 victory over Real Salt Lake in the Western Conference final on Saturday. Fourth-seeded Portland will host the winner of Sunday's Eastern Conference final between the Philadelphia Union and NYCFC on Saturday. The Timbers, who won the MLS Cup in 2015, also went to the final in 2018, but fell to Atlanta United. Seventh-seeded Real Salt Lake had appeared in the MLS Cup final three times, winning the title in 2009. RSL advanced to the conference final with a 2-1 victory at Sporting Kansas City.
wftv.comOrlando City Soccer announces full capacity seating at Exploria Stadium starting in June
ORLANDO, Fla. — Exploria Stadium announced Monday it will open to full capacity in June. Select seats located near player areas, such as benches and the competition tunnel, will not be available due to league COVID-19 protocols. Health and safety protocols will remain in place for all City and Pride matches. In addition, the Club will also continue to operate in accordance with both the MLS and NWSL medical protocols. READ: Skydiver dies after midair collision with parachutist in DeLand, police sayBeginning Friday, May 21, single-game tickets for all regular-season matches from June on will be available to the general public.
wftv.comOrlando City releases 2021 regular season schedule
The Lions will play against Atlanta United FC at 3 p.m. on April 17 at Exploria Stadium to start the 2021 season. Tickets for the home opener are available to season ticket holders and partial ticket holders. Orlando City fans who want to be alerted when single-game tickets are available can click this link. April 23rd: City 🆚 @SportingKC #VamosOrlando pic.twitter.com/j8myaaqbp0 — Orlando City SC (@OrlandoCitySC) March 10, 2021Ten of the contests this season will be nationally televised games. The last home game of the season for Orlando City will be against Nashville SC at 7:30 p.m. on Oct. 31.
Orlando City to play against Atlanta United in home opener
All rights reserved)Orlando City's Nani, right, celebrates with Jhegson Medez after scoring against Inter Miami during the second half of an MLS soccer match Wednesday, July 8, 2020, in Kissimmee, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)ORLANDO, Fla. – Orlando City will play against Atlanta United FC at 3 p.m. on April 17 at Exploria Stadium to start the 2021 season. Tickets for the home opener are available to season ticket holders and partial ticket holders. Orlando City fans who want to be alerted when single-game tickets are available can click this link. [TRENDING: ‘Manatee graveyard in Fla. | 6 major announcements from Disney | Fla. woman charged in US Capitol attack]AdThe second game for the Lions will be against Sporting KC at 8 p.m. on April 23 in Orlando City’s first road game of the season. Team officials said the rest of the schedule will be released at a later date.
Orlando City SC releases pre-season schedule
All rights reserved)ORL,ANDO, Fla. – Orlando City SC on Wednesday announced its preseason schedule ahead of the 2021 Major League Soccer season. Led by Head Coach Oscar Pareja, the Lions began preseason on Monday at Osceola Heritage Park. The preseason will also feature an eight-day trip to IMG Academy in Bradenton, Fla., for training and a scrimmage. [TRENDING: Gas skimmer hits News 6 anchor for $1,600 | Epic: Universal resumes work on 4th theme park | Porn plays during Fla. zoom class]All preseason scrimmages will be closed-door. Ad2021 Orlando City SC Preseason ScheduleMon., March 1 First Training of 2021 | Orlando City SC Training GroundSun., March 7 Depart for IMG AcademyMon., March 15 Preseason Scrimmage vs. Philadelphia Union Return from BradentonThurs., March 18 Preseason Scrimmage vs. New York City FCSat., March 27 Preseason Scrimmage vs. TBAWed., March 31 Preseason Scrimmage vs. FC CincinnatiSat., April 3 Preseason Scrimmage vs. Chicago Fire FCTues., April 6 Preseason Scrimmage vs. Miami FCFri., April 9 Preseason Scrimmage vs. Minnesota United FCSat., April 17 Start of MLS Regular SeasonThe MLS regular season kicks off on Saturday, April 17.
The Scripps National Spelling Bee finals are happening in Orlando this summer
click image Photo courtesy Scripps National/Facebook2019 Spelling Bee finalistsA number of fiercely competitive contests that push the human body to its limits have restarted at the Walt Disney World resort during the pandemic — the NBA, the MLS and now … the Scripps National Spelling Bee 2020's National Spelling Bee was canceled for the first time since World War II due to concerns around COVID-19. Now the Bee is back on for this summer, in a modified format. And the road to qualifying for the finals leads a new hosting site in Orlando, instead of the longtime locations just outside of Washington, D.C.All of the various qualifying rounds (preliminaries, quarterfinals and semifinals) for the Bee will happen virtually this year. Then the finals — with only around a dozen competitors from around the country — will take place in Orlando at Disney's ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex.Wide World of Sports, incidentally, was the site of both the NBA and MLS bubbles and return to play last year.The Scripps National Spelling Bee happens on Thursday, July 8, and will be broadcast live on ESPN2.
orlandoweekly.comColumbus Crew win 2nd MLS title, beating Seattle 3-0
Columbus Crew's Jonathan Mensah, center, carries the trophy on stage after the Crew defeated the Seattle Sounders 3-0 in the MLS Cup championship game Saturday, Dec. 12, 2020, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete)COLUMBUS, Ohio – No matter the absences from the lineup or the opponent, Caleb Porter implored the Columbus Crew to impose themselves. Porter's players responded, putting aside the recent history of the defending champion Seattle Sounders and capping the most unpredictable of MLS seasons with one of the league's original franchises raising a championship trophy. Columbus claimed its first title since 2008 and denied Seattle a chance at being just the fourth back-to-back champions in league history. Seattle needed a frantic comeback in the final 15 minutes of its Western Conference final against Minnesota United just to reach MLS Cup.
Sounders score twice late, stun Minnesota United 3-2
Seattle Sounders forward Will Bruin (17) shoots to score against Minnesota United during the second half of an MLS playoff Western Conference final soccer match, Monday, Dec. 7, 2020, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)SEATTLE – Gustav Svensson scored off a corner kick in the final moments of second-half stoppage time, and the Seattle Sounders beat Minnesota United 3-2 on Monday night to advance to the MLS Cup final. Seattle scored three times in the final 15 minutes of regulation and stoppage time to stun Minnesota and claim the Western Conference championship for the fourth time in the past five seasons. Will Bruin scored in the 75th minute to pull Seattle within 2-1 and set the stage for the wild final moments when the Sounders scored twice off corner kicks. But Svensson came through by rising above on the final corner kick and giving the Sounders the victory.
Sounders back in West final after 1-0 win over FC Dallas
Seattle Sounders defender Shane O'Neill (27) heads in a goal against FC Dallas during the second half of an MLS playoff soccer match, Tuesday, Dec. 1, 2020, in Seattle. As in his one previous MLS goal before Tuesday night. The Sounders will face either Minnesota United or Sporting Kansas City in the West final next Monday. But O’Neill found himself unmarked in front of the Dallas goal in the 49th minute and flicked Nicolas Lodeiro’s corner kick past Dallas goalkeeper Jimmy Maurer. It was the first Seattle goal by someone other than Lodeiro, Raul Ruidiaz and Jordan Morris in the past five matches.
Philly claims Supporters' Shield on final day of MLS season
(AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)The path to the MLS Cup will go through Philadelphia after the Union wrapped up the Supporters’ Shield and top seed for the Eastern Conference playoffs on the final day of the MLS regular season on Sunday. The snowy victory for Kansas City was part of a wild final day in the Western Conference, with late goals in Los Angeles and Houston shuffling the playoff bracket. LAFC's reward is a trip to defending MLS Cup champion Seattle in a rematch of last year's Western Conference final won by the Sounders on the road. Only Philadelphia and Toronto had a chance to lay claim to the regular-season title entering the final day of the season. The Eastern Conference had a logjam at the bottom of the standings, and the final day ended with both expansion teams claiming playoff spots.
Dike continues strong play, Orlando City tops Atlanta United
ORLANDO, Fla. – Daryl Dike had a goal and an assist to continue his strong rookie campaign, Chris Mueller scored on a free kick, and Orlando City beat Atlanta United 4-1 on Wednesday night. Orlando City (9-3-8) bounced back from a loss that ended a 12-match unbeaten streak and snapped a four-game winless skid. Tesho Akindele put away a one-touch shot, off a pass from Dike, in the 60th before Atlanta's Erick Torres scored in the 87th minute. It was the first goal of the season for Torres, who scored 14 goals in 27 appearances for the Houston Dynamo last season. Matheus Aias, a 23-year-old who signed with Orlando City on Aug. 21, scored his first MLS goal in the second minute of stoppage time.
Gallese, Orlando City survive a man down, tie FC Dallas 0-0
FRISCO, Texas – Pedro Gallese had his second MLS shutout and Orlando City played a man down for the final 20-plus minutes in a 0-0 tie with FC Dallas on Sunday night. Gallese had four saves, including a kick save of a shot by Santiago Mosquera from point-blank range in the 10th minute. Midfielder Jhegson Méndez was shown his second yellow card in the 69th minute and Orlando City played a man down the rest of the way. Jimmy Maurer had three saves for Dallas (5-3-5). Orlando City (7-2-5) is 5-0-3 in its last eight games.
Orlando City defeats Kansas City 2-1
All rights reserved)Orlando City defeated Kansas City 2-1 on Wednesday. Tesho Akindele and Benji Michel scored the two goals for Orlando City. Kansas City had 16 shots on the night and Orlando City put 8 shots on goal. Orlando City had possession of the ball for 44 percent of the game. Kansas City committed 18 fouls in the game and Orlando City committed 16 fouls.
Urso, Mueller help Orlando City beat Atlanta United
ATLANTA Jnior Urso scored his first MLS goal, Chris Mueller added a goal and Orlando City beat Atlanta United 3-1 on Saturday. Orlando City (4-2-2) has won back-to-back games, beating Atlanta for the first time in nine career meetings. Urso, a 31-year-old Brazilian in his first MLS season, headed home a corner kick by Mueller to open the scoring in the 13th minute. Brooks Lennon slipped a header, off a cross by Jrgen Damm, from the center of the area just inside the right post for Atlanta (3-4-0) in the in the 83rd minute. Urso stole the ball from Pity Martinez deep in the attacking half and fed Lus Carlos Almeida da Cunha for a goal that capped the scoring in the 86th.
More companies pledge to give workers time to vote
FILE - In this Wednesday, July 22, 2020 file photo, A Coca-Cola display is viewed at the ESPN Wide World of Sports complex after an MLS soccer match between Real Salt Lake and Sporting Kansas City in Kissimmee, Fla. A growing number of U.S. companies are pledging to give workers time off to vote in the presidential election this November. Coca-Cola, Twitter, Cisco and Uber are giving employees the day off. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack, File)
Orlando City Soccer prepares for first home game since February
ORLANDO, Fla. Orlando City Soccer Club is set to host Nashville for their first home game since February, at reduced capacity for phase one of continuation of play for Major League Soccer. Orlando SC leaders told News 6 they anticipate the stadium to be around 20-25% full for Wednesdays game against Nashville, with several tickets still available online. I dont believe that now is the time to relax any of those restrictions, Demings said when asked about Orlando City Soccer at his weekly press briefing on Aug. 10. A day after the Orlando City announcement Demings again expressed concerns. To buy tickets to the Orlando City match against Nashville, click here.
LAFC's Carlos Vela has knee injury, likely out a few weeks
LOS ANGELES Los Angeles FC forward Carlos Vela is likely to be sidelined for at least a few weeks by a left knee injury. Bradley gave no timetable for Vela's return, but such injuries typically require a minimum of three weeks of rest and rehabilitation. Vela came up limping on a noncontact play during the second half of LAFC's 2-0 loss to the LA Galaxy on Saturday. The 31-year-old Vela had the most prolific season in MLS history last year with LAFC, setting the league record with 34 goals. Vela then scored in each of LAFC's first two matches this season before the pause because of the coronavirus pandemic.
Orlando City will allow fans to attend matches in person at reduced capacity
ORLANDO, Fla. Orlando City announced fans will be allowed at three upcoming games at Exploria Stadium at reduced capacity for phase one of continuation of play for Major League Soccer. The exact amount of fans allowed into games was not specified in the news release from the MLS. The matches will be the first to have fans in-person since the pandemic caused cancellations across all major league sports. Fans will be required to wear masks in the stadium. No bags will be allowed inside the stadium.
MLS fans boo players kneeling for national anthem
There was a smattering of boos when players from FC Dallas and Nashville SC collectively took a knee during the national anthem before their MLS game on Wednesday night in Frisco, Texas. Dallas defender Reggie Cannon said he was disgusted by the boos at Toyota Stadium when players and officials knelt to call attention to racial injustice. Dallas and Nashville had not played a game since the season was suspended on March 12 because of the coronavirus. The death of George Floyd has spurred a number of MLS players to form the group Black Players for Change, which seeks to address systemic racism in soccer and society. At the opening game of the MLS tournament in Florida, members of the group collectively stood in silence, fists raised, for more than eight minutes.
What the MLS is Back tournament was like from a journalist who covered it
Everyone except for the players buses had to go through this security check. It was a long walk to get to the temperature screening tent while carrying camera equipment. For the temperature check, I stood in front of a camera, and it took my temperature that way. On the other field, videographers stood behind a tall fence and the photographers sat in front of that fence. MLS is now set to move on with regular season games and the MLS Playoffs later this year.
Portland beats Orlando 2-1 to claim MLS is Back championship
Orlando players block a free kick by Portland Timbers midfielder Diego Valeri (8), during the second half of an MLS soccer match, Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2020, in Kissimmee, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. Dario Zuparics first goal of the season gave Portland a 2-1 victory against Orlando in the MLS is Back finale Tuesday night. The goal set off a raucous celebration on the sideline and sent Orlando into panic mode. The Timbers, who spent 39 days in the MLS bubble and remained on West Coast time, hugged, danced and doused each other with water after the final whistle. Portlands experience the Timbers won the MLS title in 2015 and were runners-up two years ago showed in the finale. But considering Portland has managed just three clean sheets in its last 23 matches, it was no surprise to see a defensive breakdown just a few minutes later.
Kathryn Nesbitt breaks ground as MLS is Back final referee
When the Portland Timbers play Orlando City in the MLS is Back tournament championship on Tuesday night, assistant referee Kathryn Nesbitt will become the first woman to work a Major League Soccer title game. We all came into this tournament under really unusual circumstances, Nesbitt said. And it's not just MLS, she was also a referee for the Women's World Cup last year in France. Nesbitt counts her World Cup debut, in a group-stage match between the Norway and Nigeria in Reims, as one of her favorite career moments. Nesbitt was a chemistry professor at Towson University before she decided last year to focus on refereeing in advance of the World Cup.
Orlando, Portland vie for MLS championship like no other
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. In a year like no other, this will be a championship like no other. Orlando City and Portland will meet in the MLS is Back tournament finale Tuesday night, with the winner hoisting a trophy less than 24 hours before the league resumes its revised regular season in home markets. The World Cup-style format included 51 matches over 45 days at ESPNs Wide World of Sports complex at Disney World. Orlando and Portland emerged as the best of the bunch, both relying on staunch defense to get to the championship match. Defenders, sometimes, they dont get the credit when youre winning games, said Orlando coach Oscar Pareja, whose team hasnt allowed more than one goal in any tournament game.
Rossi scores pair, LAFC gets revenge in 4-1 win over Seattle
Los Angeles FC forward Diego Rossi (9) scores on a penalty kick against the Seattle Sounders during the first half of an MLS soccer match in Kissimmee, Fla., Monday, July 27, 2020. Even without reigning league MVP Carlos Vela, LAFC pressured and flustered the Sounders early and never let up. LAFC outshot Seattle 25-11. At times, the Sounders couldnt play the ball out of their own defensive end due to the pressure of LAFC. Rossi drew Xavier Arreagas foul in the penalty area and beat Seattle goalkeeper Stefan Frei in the 14th minute for the early advantage.
Florida reports more than 130 new coronavirus-related deaths, setting new record
The new record comes as Central Florida school districts are finalizing back to school plans in the wake of the pandemic. [RELATED: Heres how Florida hospitals are reporting current COVID-19 hospitalizations]Though Florida continues to see thousands of new cases reported daily, parts of Central Florida are continuing with reopening plans. Across the globe, Hong Kong Disneyland will close its gates again Wednesday after 52 new coronavirus cases were detected in China. Apart from attractions, Central Florida school districts have kicked off summer school programs as school board leaders are finalizing plans for the fall. Marion CountyThe Marion County School Board unanimously decided to move forward with reopening schools for the fall semester on Aug. 10.
NBA, MLS coronavirus testing counts in Orange Countys totals
ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. Now that players from both the MLS and the NBA are at Walt Disney World to resume their respective seasons, their coronavirus testing totals will count toward Orange Countys overall numbers. Dr. Raul Pino from the Florida Department of Health in Orange County said Monday that because those inside the bubble are being tested so often, Orange County could start to notice an increase in daily testing numbers. As of Monday, Orange County has recorded 18,937 COVID-19 cases since March plus 83 deaths and 564 total hospitalizations. Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings said right off the bat Monday that he doesnt like the way cases are looking lately. In that case, the convention center could house as many as 500 beds for Orange, Osceola, Seminole and Lake county residents.
MLS returns to action after poignant moment of silence
(AP Photo/John Raoux)KISSIMMEE, Fla. Nearly 200 players took the field for an 8-minute, 46-second moment of silence to protest racial injustice before Major League Soccers return to action Wednesday night. Players wore black T-shirts, black gloves and black facemasks emblazoned with Black Lives Matter. The shirts had varying slogans that included Black And Proud, Silence Is Violence and Black All The Time. The group was formerly called the Black Players Coalition of MLS but changed its name this week to Black Players for Change. MLS players had weeks to decide what to do prior to the MLS is Back tournament at ESPNs Wide World of Sports complex at Disney World.
Nashville SC drops out of MLS is Back Tournament after 9 players test positive for COVID-19
ORLANDO, Fla. Nashville SC is the second team to drop out of the MLS is Back Tournament in Orlando after multiple players tested positive for COVID-19, according to a news release. Team officials said that after arriving in Orlando, nine players on the team have had confirmed positive test results for COVID-19. We have withdrawn Nashville SC from the MLS is Back Tournament. For every decision we make in our return to play, the wellbeing of our players, staff, officials and all participants is our top priority.FC Dallas was the first team to withdraw from the tournament, announcing the decision Monday after 10 players tested positive for coronavirus. To read more about the MLS is Back Tournament schedule, click here.
Pro soccer and basketball leagues could be 'going to Disney World'
The slogan Im going to Disney World! is typically associated with the Super Bowl, but the current pandemic could mean entire sports leagues may soon utter those words.The idea of the NBA finishing out its season at WDW was first floated in April. Unlke the NBA, the MLS has roughly 91 percent of the season left.If it happened, both leagues would use the 220-acre ESPN Wide World of Sports complex. The sports facility hosts numerous sports events, which typically have multiple games or matches being played at the same time. And there are few companies in the world that can match Disney for hospitality expertise and can-do ethos. In the meantime, Disney World is now only accepting reservations past the end of June , possibly an indication that the resort will not reopen until at least July.
orlandoweekly.comOrlando wants an MLB team, and we have a history of giving stadiums to rich guys
click to enlarge ERIC KILBY VIA FLICKR / ATTRIBUTION-SHAREALIKE 2.0 GENERIC (CC BY-SA 2.0)Pat Williams, Orlando Magic co-founder, held a press conference Wednesday morning discussing the possibility of bringing a baseball team to the city of Orlando. And with the Rays having the lowest payroll for players in all of baseball, clearly owner Stuart Sternberg is great about paying his players. The City of Orlando would probably have to foot most of the bill, but this is something theyve been more than willing to do in the past. The City of Orlando also spent $8.2 million on land for their MLS stadium, and even approved another $20 million in tourist development tax funds to be deferred to the project. I don't see it happening in St. Petersburg and I would be hard-pressed to see it in Tampa as well, given what I know.
orlandoweekly.comLAFC beats LA Galaxy in crosstown rivalry
Diego Rossi #9 of Los Angeles FC celebrates his goal to take a 3-2 lead over the Los Angeles Galaxy during a 5-3 LAFC win in the Western Conference Semifinals at Banc of California Stadium on Oct. 24, 2019, in Los Angeles. "It's been ghosting us for a long time, but now when it really mattered we were up for it ... everyone was behind us to be the best team in Los Angeles." Though he played brilliantly in his two seasons in Los Angeles, Ibrahimovi is on an expiring contract, and has reportedly attracted interest from Italian club Napoli. "LAFC has done everything right to build an authentic fanbase in Los Angeles," he said. "This has revived soccer in the city of Los Angeles," he added.
Orlando City fires head coach James O'Connor
Players get into a scuffle during the second half of an MLS soccer match between Orlando City and the New England Revolution, Saturday, Aug. 4, 2018, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)ORLANDO, Fla. - Orlando City has agreed to part ways with head coach James OConnor, effective immediately. On behalf of Orlando City we want to thank James for all of his efforts during his coaching tenure at Orlando, Orlando City SC Executive Vice President of Soccer Operations Luiz Muzzi said. We wish James the best of luck in the next phase of his coaching career.OConnor joined Orlando City halfway through the 2018 campaign. Under OConnor, the Lions finished the 2018 season with a record of 2-12-3 in MLS competition finishing in 11th place in the Eastern Conference. Overall under OConnors leadership, Orlando City had an 11-27-13 record in MLS matches and finished the 2019 season in 11th place.
Atlanta United beat Orlando City 1-0
ORLANDO, Fla. - Josef Martnez scored in an MLS-record 12th consecutive appearance, and Atlanta United beat Orlando City 1-0 on Friday night for its sixth straight victory. Atlanta (15-9-3) has won five straight games in the series, and hasn't lost in eight all-time meetings. Orlando (9-12-7) had a four-game undefeated run end. Martnez finished a give-and-go with a one-touch curling shot from the corner of the 18-yard box in the 60th minute. Martnez has seven goals in his career against Orlando, his highest total against an MLS club.
MLS All-Star Game brings FIFA World Cup champions Alex Morgan and Kaka to Orlando, along with extended SunRail hours
click to enlarge Photo by Jeremy ReperMorganclick to enlarge Photo by Jeremy ReperKakOrlando's soccer greats are back in town to judge other soccer greats showing of their skills for charity.Alex Morgan, of Orlando Pride and and Orlando City's Kak, both FIFA World Cup champions (Morgan twice) will line out the panel of judges for the MLS All-Star Skills Challenge at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex on Tuesday. Bonus points, by the way, for bicycle kicks and first time volleys.After three rounds, the team with the most points will be named MLS All-Star Champions. In addition to brownie points, winners get to choose a charity to donate $25,000 to, according to the MLS site. Here are the competing teams:Wayne Rooney, Carlos Vela, Jonathan dos SantosNani, Chris Mueller, Sebastian MendezKoke, Joo Felix, Hctor Herrera The actual MLS All-Star game will be hosted at Orlando City Stadium on Wednesday. SunRail is even running late for Wednesday's festivities, according to the Florida Department of Transportation.A late train will leave from the southbound Church Street Station platform at 10:30 p.m., stopping at Orlando Health, Sand Lake Road, Meadow Woods, Tupperware, Kissimmee and Poinciana.
orlandoweekly.comSunRail adds late train for Wednesday's MLS All-Star Game
Orlando's Exploria Stadum hosting MLS All-Stars in match vs. Atltico de Madrid. SunRail is adding a late train to accommodate fans going to the Major League Soccer All-Star Game in Orlando Wednesday night. Trains will run both northbound and southbound at 10:30 p.m., departing from Church Street Station, about a 10-minute walk from Exploria Stadium. The normal schedule only calls for one late train operating northbound at that time. The match starts at 8 p.m. and features the MLS All-Stars and the Atltico de Madrid.
news-journalonline.comMichel scores in 84th to lift Orlando City past Crew, 1-0
ORLANDO, Fla. - Benji Michel scored his first MLS goal in the 84th minute to help Orlando City beat the Columbus Crew 1-0 on Saturday night. Lamine San sent an entry pass up the right channel, Ruan flicked a cross into the area and Michel poked it into the back of the net for Orlando (7-9-4). Gyasi Zardes' shot crashed off the crossbar in the sixth minute and Harrison Afful's knuckler was saved by Brian Rowe in the 88th minute. Orlando's Dom Dwyer was sent off in second-half stoppage time for an elbow to Josh Williams' face. Columbus lost its fifth in a row and extended its winless streak to nine.
Patio, Rowe help Orlando City to 2-2 tie with Union
CHESTER, Pa. - Rookie Santiago Patio scored his first MLS goal, Brian Rowe made five saves, including a diving stop in injury time, and Orlando City tied the Philadelphia Union 2-2 on Sunday. In the third minute of stoppage time, Rowe's left-handed save of a header by Jack Elliott preserved the tie for Orlando City. Philadelphia (10-5-6) took a 1-0 lead when Marco Fabin slipped a headed a cross by Fabrice-Jean Picault just inside the far post in the fourth minute. Dom Dwyer's header of Lus Carlos Almeida da Cunha's entry on a set piece made it 1-1 in the 67th. The Union outshot Orlando City 21-7 and had 61.8% possession.
Philly defeats Orlando City 3-1
Associated PressORLANDO, Fla. - Kacper Przybylko scored twice -- his first multi-goal game in MLS -- to help the Philadelphia Union beat Orlando City 3-1 on Wednesday night. Przybylko gave Philadelphia (10-5-5) a 2-1 lead in the 47th minute. Chris Mueller stole a pass near midfield and raced downfield before slipping a side-footer past backpedaling defender Jack Elliott and just inside the post to give Orlando City (6-9-3) a 1-0 lead in the eighth minute. Przybylko ran onto a pass from Jamiro Monteiro, cut back to evade a defender and side-netted a left-footer that made it 1-1 in the 32nd. Orlando City played much of the second half down two men after Robin Jansson and Sacha Kljestan were shown straight red cards -- Jansson in the 45th for denying a goal-scoring opportunity and Kljestan in the 67th minute for a studs-up tackle.
What to know about the MLS All-Star game in Orlando
ORLANDO, Fla. - The 2019 Major League Soccer All-Star game will be played at Exploria Stadium in Orlando at 7:30 p.m. on July 31.Who are the MLS All-Stars playing against? Orlando City featured in the All-Star gameThe head coach of MLS All-Stars is Orlando City head coach James O'Connor. Orlando City SC midfielder Nani made the All-Star roster. Was amazing to meet all the Orlando City supporters last night! The MLS All-Stars will sport a regal purple jersey very similar to the Orlando City jersey.