5 - Nani game-winner contributions
Orlando City captain Nani is the frontrunner for MLS is Back Tournament MVP for a reason. Outside of the NYCFC game, where Orlando City were out in front 2-0 in ten minutes, Nani has been involved in every decisive goal for the Lions at Disney. The Portuguese set the tone with his late winner against Inter Miami in the opener, then assisted Mauricio Pereyra’s equalizer against Philadelphia to win Group A. In the knockouts, Nani’s tasty flick set up Tesho Akindele’s winner against Montreal and his perfect corner kick found Joao Moutinho’s head for the late game-tying goal against LAFC (Nani also finished the penalty shootout to put Orlando through). Nani topped himself with his heroics against Minnesota United, scoring a first-half brace.
1 - First half goals allowed
Orlando City has played lockdown defense throughout the MLS is Back Tournament, but the Lions have been especially great in the first half. Orlando has allowed just one goal in the first 45 minutes, and it wasn’t exactly a cheap concession–Jesus Medina’s goal of the tournament contender from the NYCFC game. This could be especially key against the Portland Timbers, who have scored first in five of their six tournament games.
0 - Set piece goals allowed
Much was made of Minnesota United’s set piece prowess heading into the semifinal, and rightfully so–the Loons had scored five goals on restarts at MLS is Back. Despite 13 corners and numerous free kicks, though, Minnesota could not find the back of the net on set plays against Orlando City. In fact, no one has. The Lions have yet to concede a set piece goal in the entire tournament. Portland are also very good on restarts, with both goals in their semifinal victory over Philadelphia coming on set pieces.
.762 - It helps to have eight arms
Orlando City goalkeeper Pedro Gallese has lived up to his international billing at MLS is Back. “El Pulpo” has saved 16 of 21 shots that have come his way, including massive game-saving stops against NYCFC and LAFC. Gallese’s .762 save percentage in the tournament would have ranked second in MLS in 2019. The only goalkeeper with a better number? His opposite number in Tuesday night’s final–Portland’s Steve Clark saved at a .771 clip in his 24 starts last year.
1.5 - FAIRWINDS Credit Union
Score up to 1.5% cash back and LionNation points when you use your FAIRWINDS Orlando City Visa® or Orlando Pride Visa® on game day purchases and everyday essentials. Apply today and get purple carded.
