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MLS Orlando City SC

Lions Fall to D.C. United in Fourth of July Fixture

July 4, 2022 - Major League Soccer (MLS)
Orlando City SC News Release


ORLANDO, Fla. - Orlando City SC (7-7-4, 25 points) fell in a 5-3 scoreline to D.C. United (5-9-2, 17 points) on Monday night at Exploria Stadium. The match saw the Lions score a season-high three goals, with Facundo Torres, Ercan Kara and Alexandre Pato all finding the back of the net.

Torres opened the Lions' account, coming off the bench at halftime to net his fourth goal across all competitions in 2022. Mauricio Pereyra earned the assist on the finish, notching his ninth helper of the year in MLS action, extending his team-high and putting his Club-record now at 33 assists. Kara added another with his head off a free kick from Torres, good for his seventh league goal this campaign, with Pato rounding out the scoring from the penalty spot in the 80th minute to collect his fourth goal of the season across all competitions this year.

Earning the start on Monday night, defender Ruan recorded his 100th appearance as a Lion across all competitions, joining current teammates Robin Jansson and Tesho Akindele in the century club, as well as former Lions Chris Mueller and Cristian Higuita.

City returns home on Saturday, July 9, set to host Inter Miami CF at Exploria Stadium in an 8 p.m. ET kickoff. Tickets are available here or by calling (855) ORL-CITY.

Head Coach Oscar Pareja:

"A difficult result, especially because we came from a nice experience in qualifying [on Wednesday in the U.S. Open Cup]. In the first half, we looked disconnected and I accept that responsibility. Obviously I didn't like those 45 minutes, but the boys did a great job putting in resolve at the end and trying to bounce back. The second half looked much better and like us, but the first half was the price today."

Scoring Recap:

5' Taxi Fountas (Chris Durkin, Drew Skundrich) - DC 1, ORL 0

The visitors took the early lead with Drew Skundrich finding Chris Durkin up the right flank, who was able to find Taxi Fountas at the center of the area for the first-time finish.

8' Taxi Fountas (Michael Estrada, Donovan Pines) - DC 2, ORL 0

D.C. doubled its advantage three minutes later, with Donovan Pines finding a running Michael Estrada down the right side, who drove down the flank before cutting a ball across the face of goal for Fountas, who was able to direct it inside the near post for the early brace.

51' Taxi Fountas (Julian Gressel) - DC 3, ORL 0

Fountas finished off the hat trick after Julian Gressel laid off a free kick to his right foot, with the Greek international sending his shot through the Orlando wall into the back of the net.

57' Facundo Torres (Maurico Pereyra) - DC 3, ORL 1

The Lions got on the board with Mauricio Pereyra able to fend off his defender long enough before finding Facundo Torres at the edge of the area, who took a touch before burying a left-footed shot into the bottom right corner for the finish.

66' Ercan Kara (Facundo Torres) - DC 3, ORL 2

City halved the deficit on the set piece play, with Facundo Torres whipping in a free kick from the right side, finding the head of Ercan Kara in the area for the Austrian's seventh MLS goal.

74' Kimarni Smith (Drew Skundrich) - DC 4, ORL 2

The visitors got one back with Drew Skundrich finding Kimarni Smith running in behind the Lions' defense, who took his space before sending his shot into the lower-left corner from outside the area.

80' Alexandre Pato (PK) - DC 4, ORL 3

The Lions cut the deficit yet again, with Benji Michel forcing a handball in the box by the D.C. defense, sending Alexandre Pato to the spot. The Brazilian international placed his strike in the top-left corner of the net for his fourth goal of the year.

90+6' Nigel Robertha - D.C. 5, ORL 3

D.C. sealed the three points after Nigel Robertha picked up the loose ball at the top of the box, took a touch and shot the ball into the lower left corner of the goal.

Match Notes:

Ercan Kara netted his team-high eighth goal in all competitions of the year, seven of which have come in MLS action.

Facundo Torres scored his fourth goal in all competitions this season and added his sixth assist on Kara's second half finish.

Alexandre Pato scored his fourth goal of the season in all competitions, converting from the spot for the second time this year.

Mauricio Pereyra added his 10th assist in all competitions and his ninth in league play to extend his own team-high.

Ruan tallied his 100th appearance in all competitions with the start on Monday night.

Head Coach Oscar Pareja made three changes to his starting lineup, with Sebastián Méndez, Jake Mulraney and Alexandre Pato all getting the nod.

Next Match: The Lions return home on Saturday, July 9, set to host intrastate foes Inter Miami CF at Exploria Stadium in an 8 p.m. ET kickoff.

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