Young Lions Shine
Orlando City’s youth movement powered its April 29 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Round of 16 victory over the New England Revolution, as three young Lions scored to send the club into the quarterfinals. Brazilian U-22 Initiative signing Iago opened his account with his first goal for the club in all competitions. Homegrown defender Zakaria Taifi followed with his first career first-team goal in a strong all-around performance. Fellow homegrown Justin Ellis added to the breakout effort, scoring his second goal across competitions to continue his rise in the Lions attack.
Ojeda’s Strong Run
Martín Ojeda continues to lead in the final third, recording his team-high 10th goal contribution across all competitions in the Lions’ May 16 match against Atlanta United. He assisted on Griffin Dorsey’s goal to maintain his recent form. The Argentine has scored five goals over his last four matches and recorded a goal contribution in consecutive games. Ojeda is also climbing the club’s all-time charts. Entering the match, he needed two more goals in all competitions to pass Cyle Larin for second place in club history with 44 and five to match Facundo Torres’ record of 47, further cementing his growing legacy in purple.
Dorsey Delivers Again
Defender Griffin Dorsey has found strong form in recent matches for Orlando City following his offseason acquisition via trade with Houston Dynamo FC, scoring his third goal across all competitions in the Lions’ May 16 match against Atlanta United FC. The strike marked his second goal in consecutive games and his second in MLS regular season play, building on his first league goal for the club in Orlando City’s May 13 win over the Philadelphia Union.
Cup Quarterfinal Contest
Orlando City continues its 2026 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup run with a quarterfinal matchup against Atlanta United FC, with a spot in the semifinals at stake. The Lions hold a 21W-11L-5D record in the competition dating to their USL era debut in 2011 and have a strong history in the tournament, highlighted by the Club’s first MLS-era trophy in the 2022 U.S. Open Cup Final win over Sacramento Republic FC. Should Orlando City advance, it will travel to face the winner of the quarterfinal between the Columbus Crew and New York City FC. The winner of that semifinal matchup will host the championship match based on the East bracket’s draw priority.
Back at it Again
Orlando City faces Eastern Conference rival Atlanta United FC for the second meeting in a four-day span following a 1-1 draw on May 16. Griffin Dorsey scored for the Lions before Jay Fortune equalized for the Five Stripes. Orlando enters the matchup with a 6W-12L-8D record against Atlanta across all competitions, including a 4W-7L-4D mark at home. The teams split last season’s series with Orlando City earning a 3-0 home win before a 3-2 loss in Atlanta, setting up another competitive chapter in the rivalry with higher stakes.
Milestone Tracker:
-Martín Ojeda needs two goals in all competitions to catch Cyle Larin for second in club history at 44 and five to tie Facundo Torres’ club record of 47. Ojeda is five assists away from Mauricio Pereyra’s club record, also 47
