The Orlando City U17s advanced to the MLS NEXT Playoff Semifinals on Tuesday morning, defeating the LA Galaxy U17s 2-1 to become one of the final four teams remaining in American youth soccer’s top competition.
City got off to a strong start, absorbing a long spell of Galaxy possession before unleashing a dangerous counter-attack. In the 19th minute, Owen Van Marter played in Ethan Subachan, who stuck his shot comfortably past the keeper to put Orlando ahead 1-0.
From there, City controlled the game, imposing their style of play while preventing the Galaxy from opening things up. In the 61st minute, Gonzalo Agustoni put Orlando ahead with an astonishing strike, chipping the keeper from the endline to make it 2-0.
The Galaxy made things interesting with a free kick goal in second half stoppage time, but the Lions were able to hang on and close out a 2-1 victory to put themselves through to the semifinals.
Orlando City will face the Sacramento Republic U17s in the semifinal round on Thursday evening. The game is scheduled to kick off at 9:05 p.m. ET and will stream live on MLSSoccer.com.
