In an exhilarating display of resilience, Orlando City SC triumphed over Atlético San Luis in a gripping Leagues Cup match, finishing at the top of their group. The match, held on August 4, 2024, ended in a 1-1 draw after regulation time, but the Lions clinched victory with a 5-4 win in the penalty shootout.
The game took a dramatic turn when Orlando’s Kyle Smith received a straight red card after a video review, which deemed his foul as a denial of an obvious goal-scoring opportunity. This left Orlando a man down for the final hour of the match. Despite this setback, the Lions showcased commendable skill and tenacity, dominating the first 29 minutes and maintaining their composure throughout the first half.
Orlando City’s tactical adjustment, which involved dropping Wilder Cartagena into the defensive line, proved effective as they continued to create scoring opportunities while controlling possession. Their defensive strategy limited San Luis’s chances, showcasing the Lions’ ability to adapt under pressure.
The standout performer of the evening was goalkeeper Pedro Gallese, affectionately known as El Pulpo. Gallese delivered one of his season’s finest performances, making five crucial saves during regulation and an important stop in the penalty shootout that ultimately secured the win for Orlando City.
Ramiro Enrique made history during the match by scoring his sixth goal in six consecutive games, breaking the club record for goals scored in consecutive matches across all competitions. This achievement surpassed the previous record held by Daryl Dike, who scored five in five matches. Enrique expressed his satisfaction with helping the team, especially after overcoming a slow start to the season due to injuries. His confidence appears to be soaring following this remarkable run.
Orlando City has established itself as a formidable force in penalty shootouts, boasting a perfect record of nine for nine in their ten years of Major League Soccer (MLS) play. The Lions executed a flawless shootout against San Luis, with successful conversions from Nico Lodeiro, Duncan McGuire, Wilder Cartagena, Rafael Santos, and Dagur Dan Thorhallson. Gallese’s pivotal save made all the difference, reinforcing Orlando’s reputation as a dominant team in high-pressure situations.
This victory marks the second consecutive year that Orlando City has finished atop their group in the Leagues Cup. Last season, they also topped their group, albeit through different match outcomes. This year’s journey included a win followed by a penalty shootout victory, contrasting with last year’s matches that featured a penalty shootout in the first game against Houston and a stoppage-time winner against Santos Laguna in the second.
Looking ahead, Orlando City is set to host Cruz Azul in the Round of 32 on Friday, August 9. The exact kickoff time is yet to be announced, but fans can look forward to streaming the match on MLS Season Pass via Apple TV.
