ORLANDO, Fla. (Aug. 6, 2020) - Orlando City SC defeated Minnesota United by a score of 3-1 on Thursday night in its Semifinal fixture of the MLS is Back Tournament at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex housed at the Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla.
Lions’ captain Luis Nani scored the eventual game-winner in the 42nd minute of play, the second of his two finishes on the night to register his first brace of the tournament. Nani was involved on City’s third finish as well, earning a secondary assist on Benji Michel’s 96th minute insurance goal to send the Lions through to the Final of the MLS is Back Tournament.
With the victory, the Lions will face the Portland Timbers on Tuesday, Aug. 11 in the MLS is Back Tournament Final for the chance to lift their first silverware in the MLS era and for a spot in the 2021 Concacaf Champions League.
“We’re very happy to be in the Final. It has been a great tournament and a great opportunity for our players to represent the franchise and the Club. I think they have done a great job and are very well-deserved to be in the Final and tonight against a very good team, it was really hard to beat Minnesota. I think they came sharp and we adjusted well and the best part was that we respected the way we play and we respect our ways, our forms and we end up getting a result under our concept and principles and that’s what made us even more proud.”
Scoring Recap:
36’ Nani (Robin Jansson) - ORL 1, MIN 0
The Lions took the lead thanks to a lofted ball from Robin Jansson that found Nani running in behind the Minnesota defense. The City captain took a touch into the area before poking the ball into the back of the net past Loons’ goalkeeper Tyler Miller.
42’ Nani (Sebastián Méndez) - ORL 2, MIN 0
The Portuguese international struck once more to double the lead for the Lions, with Sebastián Méndez switching the field to find Nani outside the box on the opposite side. Nani took a touch to his right before curling a finish into the right side netting.
83’ Mason Toye (Kevin Molino) - ORL 2, MIN 1
The Loons got one back with former Orlando City midfielder Kevin Molino playing Mason Toye through in behind the Lions’ defense, who was able to slot it into the back of the net.
90+6’ Benji Michel (Júnior Urso, Nani) - ORL 3, MIN 1
City secured the victory late with Nani finding Júnior Urso who sent Benji Michel through on the break. One-on-one with Miller, Michel dribbled around the Loons’ goalkeeper and passed it into the back of the net to lock up the Lions spot in Tuesday’s Final.
Match Notes:
- Nani secured his first brace of 2020, scoring in the 36th and 42nd minutes respectively. The Lions’ captain recorded three braces a year ago, one each against Colorado, FC Cincinnati and New England.
- Benji Michel scored his first goal of 2020 in the match, a 96th-minute finish to secure the Lions’ spot in Tuesday’s Final.
- Nani nearly bested Lions forward Chris Mueller for the fastest brace in Club history - a record Mueller broke at the MLS is Back Tournament against NYCFC - but was seven seconds shy of Mueller’s mark with a difference of 6:11 to his teammate’s 6:04.
- With the victory, the Lions advanced to their first Final of any sort in the MLS era.
- Robin Jansson and Sebastián Méndez each recorded their first assists of their respective City tenures in the match.
- Nani earned his fourth assist of the tournament on Michel’s 96th-minute finish, while Júnior Urso earned his first assist of the tournament on the goal and his second of 2020.
- The win marked the first for the Lions over Minnesota United in Club history.
- The City defense held Minnesota without a shot on target until the 75th minute of play, an effort from Raheem Edwards saved by Lions goalkeeper Pedro Gallese.
- Head Coach Oscar Pareja opted for the same starting XI as the Lions’ Quarterfinal match against LAFC.
- The winner of the MLS is Back Tournament earns a spot in the 2021 Concacaf Champions League.
- Next Match: The Lions will face the Portland Timbers in the MLS is Back Tournament Final on Tuesday, Aug. 11 at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. Kickoff is slated for 8:30 p.m. ET.
Scoring Summary:
ORL - Nani (Robin Jansson) 36’
ORL - Nani (Sebastián Méndez) 42’
MIN - Mason Toye (Kevin Molino) 83’
ORL - Benji Michel (Júnior Urso, Nani) 90+6’
Misconduct Summary:
None
Lineups/Substitutions:
Orlando City SC - GK Pedro Gallese; D João Moutinho, Robin Jansson (Rodrigo Schlegel 85’), Antonio Carlos, Ruan; M Chris Mueller (Benji Michel 67’), Sebastián Méndez (Andrés Perea 85’), Uri Rosell, Mauricio Pereyra (Kyle Smith 89’); F Tesho Akindele (Júnior Urso 67’), Nani ©
Substitutes Not Used: GK Brian Rowe; D Alex De John, Kamal Miller; M Robinho, Joey DeZart; F Daryl Dike, Santiago Patiño
Minnesota United - GK Tyler Miller; D Chase Gasper, Michael Boxall, José Aja, Hassani Dotson; M Robin Lod (Kevin Molino 58’), Jacori Hayes (Mason Toye 58’), Ozzie Alonso, Jan Gregus, Ethan Finlay (Raheem Edwards 71’); F Luis Amarilla (Aaron Schoenfeld 58’)
Substitutes Not Used: GK Greg Ranjitsingh, Fred Emmings; D Brent Kallman, Romain Metanire; M James Musa, Marlon Hairston
Details of the Game:
Time: 8 p.m. ET
Weather: Thunderstorms
Date: Aug. 6, 2020
Stats:
Possession:
ORL - 50.1%
MIN - 49.9%
Shots:
ORL - 7
MIN - 17
Saves:
ORL - 2
MIN - 1
Fouls:
ORL - 11
MIN - 7
Corners:
ORL - 3
MIN - 13
Heineken Star of the Match: Nani
