ORLANDO, Fla. (April 24, 2022) - Orlando City SC (4-3-2, 14 points) dropped a 3-0 decision on Sunday afternoon to the New York Red Bulls (4-2-2, 14 points) at Exploria Stadium in what served as the first of a doubleheader afternoon of soccer in downtown Orlando.
The match saw forward Jack Lynn record his MLS debut after being selected at No. 18 overall at the 2022 MLS SuperDraft out of the University of Notre Dame. Lynn earned his professional debut earlier this year for MLS NEXT Pro side Orlando City B, where he currently leads the team with two goals and an assist this campaign.
Head Coach Oscar Pareja:
“Obviously disappointed with the result because when we compete, we always try to get a result but even more than that. In terms of our performance, we’re fully responsible. It was far from our normal so we’re sorry to the fans that came. We wanted to have joy, but we couldn’t do it. I thought New York outplayed us today and I have to accept that they were much better than us.”
Scoring Recap:
26’ Luquinhas (Omir Fernandez, Lewis Morgan) - RBNY 1, ORL 0
The Red Bulls got on the board first with Omir Fernandez driving down the left side of the pitch, finding Luquinhas at the edge of the area, who took a touch before firing a shot into the far post.
48’ Cristian Cásseres Jr. - RBNY 2, ORL 0
The visitors doubled the advantage, this time on the transition following a misplayed pass by the Lions. Omir Fernandez thread a ball to the top of the box for Ashley Fletcher, who was able to find Cristian Cásseres Jr. for the shot attempt. Lions’ goalkeeper Pedro Gallese saved the initial attempt, but Cásseres Jr. was able to tap in the rebound.
88’ Lewis Morgan (PK) - RBNY 3, ORL 0
New York added the insurance off a penalty kick followed by a handball called against the Lions in the area. Lewis Morgan then stepped up to the spot and converted to give the visitors the three-goal advantage.
Match Notes:
- Jack Lynn recorded his MLS debut in the match, entering the game in the 88th minute for Rodrigo Schlegel. Lynn currently leads MLS NEXT Pro side Orlando City B with two goals and an assist this season after being selected out of the University of Notre Dame at 18th overall in this year’s MLS SuperDraft.
- Homegrown defender Thomas Williams made his second-straight appearance in MLS play and his third across all competitions, entering the match after the halftime break for Júnior Urso.
- Head Coach Oscar Pareja made seven changes to his starting lineup from Wednesday’s Open Cup win against Tampa Bay.
Next Match: The Lions close out a three-game home stint, set to host Charlotte FC on Saturday, April 30 at Exploria Stadium in what will serve as the inaugural matchup between the two clubs.
