MLS Orlando City SC

Orlando City Suffers 3-1 Defeat to D.C. United

Published on April 22, 2023 under Major League Soccer (MLS)
Orlando City SC News Release


ORLANDO, Fla. - Orlando City SC (3-3-2, 11 points) dropped a 3-1 decision to D.C. United (3-4-2, 11 points) on Saturday night at Exploria Stadium. The match saw the Lions, along with all teams across the MLS, don their "One Planet Kits" in celebration of Earth Day.

Forward Duncan McGuire found the back of the net for the Lions in the match. It marked the second-consecutive match in which McGuire has scored for City and his third goal overall so far this season. The rookie's first professional goal came earlier against D.C. United in their 1-1 draw at Audi Field on March 11.

The match also saw Robin Jansson pass former City player Chris Mueller for the Club's all-time appearance mark in the MLS era. With the start, Jansson played in his 127th match for Orlando City across all competitions, continuing to add to the record list as he is already the Club's all-time minutes leader.

Scoring Summary:

15' Taxi Fountas (Ruan, Mateusz Klich) - DC 1, ORL 0

The visitors struck first with Mateusz Klich finding a sprinting Ruan along the right flank, who played a first-time pass into Taxi Fountas. Fountas found himself one-on-one with City goalkeeper Pedro Gallese and was able to slot the ball into the net.

23' Duncan McGuire (Martín Ojeda) - ORL 1, DC 1

City answered with Martín Ojeda pouncing on a mistake from the D.C. defense and slipping a ball through to Duncan McGuire who took a clean first touch and ripped the ball past a scrambling Tyler Miller.

52' Donovan Pines (Mateusz Klich) - DC 2, ORL 1

D.C. found their second goal of the match with Klich whipping in the corner kick and finding the head of Donovan Pines at the near post who was able to finish off the cross.

62' Christian Benteke (Victor Pálsson) - DC 3, ORL 1

D.C. doubled their lead with Victor Pálsson heading the ball into a crowded box, with Christian Benteke able to settle the ball and score.

Head Coach Oscar Pareja:

"It is a very disappointing night and not getting results at home. It's just getting the consistency here and not getting our points at home that creates that disappointment. Apart from that, the development of the game, I thought it was very hard in the game and it did not flow and [we] couldn't find that rhythm. That's probably what worried us most during the game. We knew that the game was going to be decided with a couple of things like that. Set plays, counters in a model that is rigid and hard and does not have a lot space. We couldn't find a way to hurt them. They did it in those key moments and there's no excuse. They took advantage of it and that is why they get the points tonight."

Match Notes:

With the start against D.C. United on Saturday, Robin Jansson passed Chris Mueller for the Club's all-time appearances record in the MLS era in all competitions at 127. Jansson is already the Club's all-time minutes leader and is four games away from matching Mueller for most MLS-only appearances with the Lions.

Pedro Gallese matched Joe Bendik for the most appearances by an Orlando City goalkeeper (92) with the start on Saturday night. He holds the Club records for goalkeeper wins and clean sheets.

With his 23rd-minute finish on the night, Duncan McGuire has scored in back-to-back games bringing his total on the season to three, which leads the side.

Martín Ojeda collected his second helper of the season, which now leads the team.

Head Coach Oscar Pareja made one change to his starting lineup from his side's matchup against Minnesota United FC, with Duncan McGuire getting the start.

Next Match: The Lions will welcome LA Galaxy to Exploria Stadium on Saturday, April 29 for an MLS regular-season matchup. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. ET.

Check out the Orlando City SC Statistics

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