ORLANDO, Fla. (Sept. 17, 2022) - Orlando City SC (13-12-6, 45 points) defeated Toronto FC (9-16-7, 34 points) 4-0 on Saturday night at Exploria Stadium. The win marks a season sweep over the Canadian-based side after the Lions went into BMO Field earlier this season and walked out with a win thanks to a stoppage-time game-winner off the head of Kyle Smith.
City was backed by goals from Facundo Torres, Ercan Kara and Tesho Akindele, along with a Toronto own goal. Torres and Kara each collected their 11th goals of the year in all competitions, tying one another for the team lead. Orlando City became the first Club in MLS history to have at least one double-digit scorer in each of the team’s first eight regular seasons with Kara’s finish on the night. Akindele’s strike served as his third of the year, all of which came late in the second half.
Captain Mauricio Pereyra became the first City player to post multiple double-digit assist seasons in MLS, collecting his 10th assist of the year on the Kara goal. That assist has tied the Club’s single-season assists record in league play, a record he holds from his 2021 season, along with Kaká (2016), Yoshimar Yotún (2018) and Nani (2019). Midfielder Iván Angulo collected a pair of assists in the match for the first time in an Orlando kit, bringing his season total to three after playing a part in the Torres and Akindele finishes. Antonio Carlos also earned his first helper of the year with a gorgeous flick resulting in the Torres goal.
Goalkeeper Pedro Gallese and the backline of Orlando City earned their ninth shutout of the season, setting a new single-season Club record. The Lions hold a 8-0-1 record in those nine games, including a shutout win over Toronto FC in their matchup earlier in the season. Gallese made three saves on the night and is one of just seven goalkeepers in MLS to have at least nine clean sheets.
Head Coach Oscar Pareja:
“A very complete performance with a group that is very responsible. We looked at the quantity of games with no time to rest and they came out today and they put up a very important victory and a very good performance. I thought we were solid. We kept their goals to zero, we scored goals and we had good moments on the field where the team was very connected. [I] saw a lot of good things. The boys now need to go and rest, they deserve it and [we'll] get ready for the next three matches. We will keep pushing.”
Scoring Recap:
9’ Facundo Torres (Antonio Carlos, Iván Angulo) - ORL 1, TOR 0
The Lions got on the board early, with Iván Angulo whipping a ball to Antonio Carlos at the edge of the area, who flicked it to a running Facundo Torres with the backheel. “El Cuervo” proceeded to take his space before firing a left-footed shot straight into the right-side netting for the finish.
22’ Ercan Kara (Mauricio Pereyra) - ORL 2, TOR 0
City doubled its advantage with Mauricio Pereyra sending a through ball in behind the Toronto defense to a running Ercan Kara, who took a touch before sending his left-footed strike straight into the back of the net.
47’ Lukas MacNaughton (Own Goal) - ORL 3, TOR 0
City collected their third goal of the night with João Moutinho driving down the left flank and whipping a rocket of a cross into the danger area, which hit Lukas MacNaughton and went directly into the back of the Reds’ net.
84’ Tesho Akindele (Iván Angulo) - ORL 4, TOR 0
The Lions sealed all three points with Iván Angulo sliding the ball in behind the defense, finding Tesho Akindele who struck it first-time with his left foot, smashing it past a diving Quentin Westberg.
Match Notes:
- Orlando City became the first team in MLS history to have at least one 10-goal scorer in each of the Club's first eight regular seasons with Ercan Kara’s 10th goal of the campaign on the evening.
- Mauricio Pereyra became the first Lion to post multiple double-digit assist seasons in MLS, tallying his 10th of the campaign. Pereyra’s helper on Kara’s finish matched the Club single-season assists record in league play, one he currently holds for his 2021 campaign along with Kaká (2016), Yoshimar Yotún (2018) and Nani (2019).
- Facundo Torres netted his 11th goal in all competitions, tying the team-high in 2022.
- Ercan Kara scored his 11th goal of the year across all competitions, which is tied for the team-high with Torres. With the finish, Kara reached double-digit MLS goals on the year, now with 10 in league play in what served as his 30th appearance for the Club.
- Tesho Akindele tallied his third goal of the season, all of which have come later than the 83rd minute.
- Iván Angulo earned a pair of assists on the night bringing his season total to three. It is the first time he has notched a pair of goal contributions while donning the City uniform.
- Head Coach Oscar Pareja is undefeated against Toronto FC in five matches since taking over the helm of the Lions ahead of the 2020 regular season, posting a 4-0-1 record against the Reds in that time.
- Antonio Carlos earned his 70th start as a Lion, tallying his first assist of the campaign in the match.
- Head Coach Oscar Pareja made one change to his starting lineup from Wednesday’s match with Ruan getting the nod at right back.
Next Match: The Lions enter a week off from match play, next set to travel to take on New York City FC at Red Bull Arena on Sunday, Oct. 2.
