1. Orlando City SC secured its place in the Round of 16 of the Concacaf Champions League, beating Cavalry FC 3-1 on Tuesday night in Orlando, Florida.
2. It was a heavily rotated lineup from Saturday's league match against CF Montréal, with only two starters suiting up to begin this match. The first half was played at a slower pace than usual, with the Lions already holding on to a 3-0 aggregate lead. Since they didn't need to push for goals, it was a good opportunity for players to get a run that hadn't gotten the opportunity this season yet.
3. Luis Muriel, the offseason star signing, got the start after getting clearance yesterday afternoon. The Designated Player went a solid 79 minutes, even notching an assist to Nico Lodeiro for the game's opening goal. His flair, vision and pace were on display in spurts, but his much-anticipated goal
4. Speaking of Lodeiro, he notched his first goal as a Lion just three minutes after entering the match. A silky cut-back from Muriel put it on a plate for the Uruguayan to deftly hit to the far post and notch the first of three goals in the second half.
5. The early goal from Lodeiro in that second half opened up the game for the Lions as the pressure let off a little bit. With Cesar Araujo also coming in at half, it helped stabilize the control of the game Orlando was able to create. Even after conceding an equalizer in the 64th minute, the Lions still looked like the ones in control.
6. Ramiro Enrique had a solid game, with a few missed chances mixed in with an absolute golazo in the 71st minute. After getting a pass from Lodeiro, the forward took one touch toward goal and smashed it from outside the box and into the top corner of goal, getting the second of the night for the Lions.
7. Kyle Smith added the cherry on top with a powerful finish in the 88th minute. The fullback, who played as a centerback for most of the game, ended up playing on the left for the final half hour of the match. In his typical way, he often finds himself in attacking spaces and after working his way into the box, he found space that Facundo Torres was able to find. A one time finish from the Taxman was a perfect way to end the night.
8. MartÃn Ojeda was given the captain's armband for just the second time in his Lions career to begin this match. It shows a level of trust that he has earned within the team and coaching staff just one year into his tenure. A very big step forward for the young Argentinian.
9. Getting minutes and good momentum ahead of Saturday's derby match against Inter Miami is a big boon for this Lions side, especially after a scoreless draw this past weekend. They'll have a few days to rest and recharge before that match at Chase Stadium this weekend.
10. With Orlando advancing to the Round of 16, the Lions now take on a familiar foe in the CCC: Tigres. A team they battled with in their debut foray in the competition last year, the Lions will have a chance at revenge as they take on the Mexican side next Tuesday.
