1. Seventy-two hours ago, on the heels of Orlando City's 1-1 draw with Atlanta United, you probably would not have expected what was to come tonight in the U.S. Open Cup Quarterfinals. Four first-half goals from the Lions helped pave the way for a dominant 4-1 derby win against Atlanta United at Inter&Co Stadium.
2. It only took five minutes for Orlando to get itself on the scoresheet. A corner from Martín Ojeda was headed by David Brekalo and careened outside the box to Braian Ojeda. After settling the ball, the Paraguayan whipped a ball back into the box to find the head of Brekalo once again. This time, he was wide open in the box and gently headed home the opener.
3. It was just Brekalo's second goal with the Lions and first at Inter&Co Stadium. After the game, Brekalo talked about the work the team has done on those "second ball" moments and how anytime a ball comes out after a corner, the team needs to put the ball back in as quick as they can. This time, it worked out perfectly for Brekalo and the Lions
4. The Lions kept finding success with line-breaking through balls behind the defense in those first 45 minutes, with Orlando getting the second goal in that manner in the 16th minute. Adrián Marín played a well-weighted pass through the defense to find Iván Angulo in space. After taking some quick dribbles into the box, he cut the ball back to a running Griffin Dorsey, who scored in his third straight match. It was almost a carbon copy of the goal he scored on the weekend against the Five Stripes, this time doubling the lead for Orlando.
5. Eight minutes later, the Lions struck again, this time with a little help from Atlanta goalkeeper Jayden Hibbert. With Orlando pressing the backline of Atlanta, a poor tough on a back pass to Hibbert, mixed with pressure from Martín Ojeda, forced a pass from Hibbert right to Tiago inside the box. After taking a quick touch toward goal and drawing the keeper out a bit, the Brazilian curled it around Hibbert to get his first goal since opening night against Red Bull New York and open up a 3-0 lead for the Lions.
6. Tiago wasn't done in that half. In stoppage time, another ball through the defense, this time from Braian Ojeda, found Tiago on the left wing with acres of space to run into. Another quick touch, another drawing out the keeper and another curled shot into the back of the net opened up a 4-0 lead for the Lions with one of the last kicks of the first half.
7. At that point for Orlando, the buffer was set. Now it was just seeing out the match. While Atlanta held a lot of the possession through the second half, the Lions didn't really allow many clear-cut chances in the attack. For a defense that was leaking goals early in the season, there has been a significant shift in the confidence and performance.
8. Atlanta was still able to get one back through Emanuel Latte Lath. A crossed ball in found the Five Stripes DP forward in the box, as he caught the ball on the volley, smashing it into the top of the net. It was a shot you just have to tip your hat to, but the ball itself could have been better defended. A bit of nitpicking, but if there was any negative in the game for Orlando, it was that moment.
9. Ultimately, the goal didn't mean much, and the Lions were able to finish the match off and head into the U.S. Open Cup Semifinals in a confident way.
10. The Lions now have one final match before the FIFA World Cup 2026™ break as they head to Cincinnati this weekend. The match is set for 7:30 p.m. ET on Saturday night and will be broadcast on Apple TV.
