CHESTER, Pa. (Sept. 19, 2021) - Orlando City SC (10-7-8, 38 points) dropped a 3-1 decision to the Philadelphia Union (9-7-8, 35 points) on Sunday evening at Subaru Park.
Defender Ruan scored the lone goal on the night for the Lions, his second career MLS goal and second in as many games. Midfielder Mauricio Pereyra, who wore the captain’s armband on the night, earned the assist, his ninth of the year and a personal MLS single-season high.
Head Coach Oscar Pareja:
“Overall, it was a match that, in those key moments and when those plays came, they make a difference on the result. I think overall, especially our reactions in the second half and when we tied the game and were in control of it and felt good, we could have had more. But, as I say, we have to accept what came and take our responsibilities to keep improving, to try to get the team out of this moment that is difficult. But we are united and we will keep pushing.”
Scoring Recap:
37’ Kai Wagner (Cory Burke, Kacper Przybylko) - PHI 1, ORL 0
The home side got on the board first in the opening 45, scoring following a controversial play. After defender Rodrigo Schlegel appeared to be fouled in the box, play continued and the Union capitalized after a shot deflected in front of the net to put the home side up one heading into the half.
57’ Ruan (Mauricio Pereyra) - ORL 1, PHI 1
Brazilian Ruan leveled things up, heading home a lofted ball from midfielder Mauricio Pereyra. The defender made a streaking run down the right side, finding a gap beyond the Union backline and redirecting the ball into the far side of the goal.
61’ Kacper Przybylko (Jamiro Monteiro, Alejandro Bedoya) - PHI 2, ORL 1
The Union regained the lead in quick order after Kacper Przybylko capitalized on a loose ball in the Orlando City penalty area.
90’ Kacper Przybylko (PK) - PHI 3, ORL 1
Philadelphia added an insurance goal in the 90th minute, with Kacper Przybylko scoring from the spot after Antonio Carlos was shown a red card.
Match Notes:
- Defender Ruan scored his second goal in as many games with his 57th-minute header goal. The goal marked the second goal of his MLS career after scoring for the Lions at the midweek against Montreal.
- With the helper on Ruan’s goal, Mauricio Pereyra recorded his ninth assist of the year, the most the midfielder has ever recorded in a single season with the Lions.
- Homegrown Raul Aguilera earned his third appearance on the second on Sunday, coming in as a first half substitute to replace the injured Joey DeZart.
- The Lions entered the match with two players missing the game due to suspension, as captain Luis Nani and midfielder Andres Perea were unavailable after both picked up red cards in the Lions’ previous match.
Next Match: Orlando City remains on the road, traveling next weekend to face the league-leading New England Revolution. That match will kickoff at 7 p.m. ET on Saturday, Sept. 25 from Gillette Stadium.
