ORLANDO, Fla. (March 31, 2019) -
Orlando City SC (1-2-2, 5 points) dropped a 2-1 decision to D.C. United (3-0-1, 10 points) on Sunday evening at Orlando City Stadium.
Dom Dwyer scored the lone goal for the Lions on the evening, one that served as his 20th for Orlando City in the MLS era. Dwyer currently sits at third in Club history in goals scored.
Homegrown product Benji Michel made his Club debut on the evening, becoming the 13th different player to do so in 2019.
Head Coach James O’Connor:
“I think when you look at the first set piece, we fell asleep on the set piece. I think when you look at the second set piece, it’s embarrassing at this stage. I’m at a stage now where the players need to be protected...The players go out and give an incredible second half performance. Absolutely incredible. And yet we come off and we lose the game, again, through no fault of our own.”
Scoring Recap:
6’ Steven Birnbaum (Wayne Rooney) - D.C. 1, ORL 0
The visitors get on the board thanks to a free kick just outside the area from Wayne Rooney. The Englishman whipped it in from the right side, finding the head of Steven Birnbaum, who secured the finish.
30’ Wayne Rooney - D.C. 2, ORL 0
After a controversial foul call, Rooney sends a free kick in from the left wing, bending it untouched into the side netting of the far post.
63’ Dom Dwyer (Chris Mueller, Nani) - D.C. 2, ORL 1
Nani slips a ball down the right side for Mueller, who works his way in behind the D.C. defense to send a cross in for the head Dwyer. The Lions’ leading goal-scorer registers his third of 2019, smashing it home to cut the D.C. lead to one.
Match Notes:
Sunday’s match was a reunion of sorts for Orlando City forward Nani and D.C. United forward Wayne Rooney, who were teammates at Manchester United from 2007-15.
Dom Dwyer’s goal in the 63rd minute served as the first conceded by D.C. in 2019.
Homegrown forward Benji Michel made his professional debut, coming in as a substitute for Nani in the 78th minute.
Goalkeeper Adam Grinwis appeared in James O’Connor’s 18-man squad for the first time in 2019.
Dom Dwyer registered his 20th goal as a Lion in the MLS era.
Next Match:
Orlando City closes out a two-game homestand on Saturday, April 6, hosting the Colorado Rapids. Kickoff is slated for 7:30 p.m. at Orlando City Stadium.
Scoring Summary:
D.C. - Steven Birnbaum (Wayne Rooney) 6’
D.C. - Wayne Rooney 30’
ORL - Dom Dwyer (Chris Mueller, Nani) 63’
Misconduct Summary:
ORL - Lamine Sane (Yellow Card) 29’
D.C. - Frederic Brillant (Yellow Card) 67’
Lineups/Substitutions:
Orlando City SC - GK Brian Rowe; D Shane O’Neill, Lamine Sane, Robin Jansson; M Ruan, Carlos Ascues, Sacha Kljestan (Chris Mueller 59’), Uri Rosell (Sebastian Mendez 59’), Joao Moutinho; F Dom Dwyer, Ⓒ Nani (Benji Michel 78’)
Substitutes Not Used: GK Adam Grinwis; D Kamal Miller; M Kyle Smith; F Santiago Patino
D.C. United - GK Bill Hamid; D Leonardo Jara, Frederic Brillant, Steven Birnbaum, Joseph Mora (Chris McCann 15’); M Russell Canouse, Junior Moreno, Paul Arriola (Ulises Segura 69’), Luciano Acosta, Lucas Rodriguez (Jalen Robinson 86’); F Wayne Rooney
Substitutes Not Used: GK Chris Seitz; D Chris Durkin; M Zoltan Stieber; F Quincy Amarikwa
Details of the Game:
Time: 6:30 p.m. ET
Weather: Clear
Date: March 31, 2019
Attendance: 22,481
Stats:
Possession:
ORL - 54.4%
DC - 45.6%
Shots:
ORL - 16
DC - 4
Saves:
ORL - 1
DC - 4
Fouls:
ORL - 9
DC - 15
Corners:
ORL - 7
DC - 1
