Orlando City SC will now face Atlanta United in the MLS Cup semifinals.
Orlando City SC eliminated Charlotte FC in the best-of-three round of the 2024 Audi MLS Cup playoffs. Orlando pulled off a great comeback with an injury-time equaliser from Facundo Torres. Later, goalkeeper Pedro Gallese became a hero for the hosts to win the game in the penalty shootout.
It was a close encounter and both teams failed to score a goal in the first half. Dean Smith’s side showed some character in the second half but was unable to convert several attempts into goals. Karol Swiderski opened the scoring in the 81st minute with an assist from Liel Abada.
As far as the game approaching, it felt like Charlotte would go through but a penalty in the final minutes gave a potential comeback to the hosts. The penalty was reviewed by VAR when Duncan McGuire was brought down and the striker’s arm appeared to be dislocated by the play. Orlando midfielder Facundo Torres went past the goalkeeper Kristjian Kahlina’s defence to set up another penalty shootout.
The result of the second game was also decided through a penalty shootout. The black and blue overcame Orlando City 3-1 to win the game but it was a different story in the decider. Orlando started high in the shootout with Luis Muriel finding the net first and Charlotte midfielder Pep Biel failing the first try against goalkeeper Pedro Gallese.
Orlando defender Kyle Smith added one more goal in the shootout but the only goal-scorer of Charlotte in the game, Świderski failed to replicate the same. With a 2-0 scoreline, Torres enjoyed one more goal for Orlando City to put all pressure on the opposition. Charlotte opened up the account as Ashley Westwood, broke past Pedro Gallese.
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The black and blue needed a save from Kahlina but Rafael Santos put the final nail in the coffin. The Orlando left-back scores the final penalty to eliminate Charlotte FC 4-1 in the shootout. Orlando City SC won the opening game 2-0 but suffered a 3-1 shootout loss on the road in game 2.
Orlando City FC have secured their place in the MLS Cup semifinals and they will face Atlanta United who eliminated Messi’s Inter Miami 3-1 in the final game of the 3-match series. On the flip side, Charlotte FC faces heartbreak in the MLS Cup and ends the season with 14 wins, 9 draws, and 11 defeats. Their coach Dean Smith was not happy with a penalty given to Orlando in the final minutes.
Dean Smith said, “I think we’ve started something here. We’re watering it, and it’s growing. Westwood felt his team was “absolutely robbed” and also added, “When you get into the locker room and you’ve got Premier League boys texting you ‘what’s going on?’ — I’m honestly baffled by what’s went on tonight.”
