ST. PAUL, Minn. (Aug. 17, 2019) - Orlando City SC (9-11-7, 34 points) battled to a 1-1 draw against Minnesota United FC (12-8-6, 42 points) on Saturday night at Allianz Field. Nani scored his ninth goal of the season in the match, converting from the penalty spot in the 70th minute for the Lions. The Portuguese midfielder now sits tied with Tesho Akindele for the team lead in goals scored.
Head Coach James O’Connor:
“Obviously feels like a defeat and that happens when you concede so late on just a cheap goal. I think we defended resolutely, I think when you look at the commitment and the way the guys were defending, if they score like I said there after, from 25-yards out, it’d have been a quality goal there’s not too much you can do. But to concede a goal like that so late is just incredibly frustrating for everybody.”
Scoring Recap:
70’ Nani (PK) - ORL 1, MIN 0
The Lions took the lead after Nani was taken down inside the box by Minnesota’s Ike Opara, earning a penalty kick. The Orlando City captain converted from the spot, burying it into the lower left corner.
90+2’ Abu Danladi - ORL 1, MIN 1
The Loons leveled the match off a long throw-in, with the ball taking a flick into the box and a deflection before falling to the foot of Danladi for the finish.
Match Notes:
- Nani scored his ninth goal of the season in the match and his third from the penalty spot, tying Tesho Akindele for the team lead in goals scored.
- Mauricio Pereyra made his Orlando City debut on the night, entering for Robinho after the halftime break. Pereyra was signed by the Lions on July 30.
- The match served as the Lions’ first visit to the newly built Allianz Field and just their second visit to Minnesota in Club history.
Next Match: The Lions return home on Friday, August 23 to face Atlanta United FC in a nationally televised match on ESPN as a part of MLS Heineken Rivalry Week. Kickoff is set for 8 p.m. ET at Exploria Stadium.
