The Audi 2020 MLS Cup Playoffs are here and the Lions’ matchup is set, slated to take on New York City FC in their first postseason match in Club history, celebrated by Orlando Health, on Saturday, Nov. 21 at Exploria Stadium.
With that, we’re looking back at some of our most memorable matches against the Pigeons as the Lions prepare to face off against their 2015 expansion rivals in what is already another historic match in our Club's history.
July 10, 2019 - Orlando City 1 (5) - NYCFC (4)
Oh this was a fun one.
On July 10, 2019, the Lions faced off against their 2015 expansion rivals in yet another single-elimination competition, with a berth in the Semifinals of the U.S. Open Cup on the line.
After a scoreless first half, Chris Mueller found the back of the net for the Lions in the 61st minute, who looked to be on the way to clinching their first berth in the Semifinals of the nation’s oldest cup competition heading into second half stoppage time. However, a late equalizer from Maxi Moralez in the 96th minute forced the two sides into an extra time period.
Following another scoreless 30 minutes of action, the two clubs prepared for a penalty shootout in which the visitors from New York City opted for the kicks to take place at the south end of the stadium, opposite the roaring of The Wall. Then came quite the sight.
Upon realization of where the shootout would take place, a mad dash ensued with a visible swarm of City fans running across the concourse in an effort to seat themselves behind the goal at the south end. That effort was nonetheless successful, with a previously empty section now occupied by the Lions’ rowdiest and most raucous supporters.
What followed was historic, as the Lions and Pigeons went back and forth through five rounds of penalties, both converting four attempts to force a sixth round. The home side went first, with midfielder Uri Rosell picking out the top corner to score for City, making way for Maxime Chanot at the spot.
Chanot stepped up, striking the ball to the left side only to be saved by former Lions goalkeeper Adam Grinwis. With that came an eruption from the crowd, both behind the goal and around the stadium, as the Lions had punched their ticket to the last four of the U.S. Open Cup for the first time in their history.
It was yet another memorable evening against the Pigeons for City fans, with the spectators themselves becoming the story of the night, showcasing yet another reminder of just how passionate and how special the Lions’ fanbase truly is.
“I would say conceding in the 90th minute was gutting for the boys, and to go into those extra 30 minutes was a grind, and they fought with us all through that,” Grinwis said after the match. “The supporters were there, they kind of were that extra man, and we needed their energy because it was hard to bring ourselves back up after such a gutting moment, but they followed us through and into the penalties. Having their support was just unbelievable. I think it brought everybody another level of energy.”
“I was watching pretty closely and I saw the people running through the stadium and for a second I didn’t think that they were going to get let through, but I was like ‘Oh man they got to let these people through man, we need them back there, we need them supporting the guys,’ Mueller said of the fans. “When I saw them finally break through and just create a swarm behind the goal, I thought that that was amazing. It just shows the love and the support that we have here in Orlando, is next to none.”
With another do or die matchup against the Pigeons looming, there is no doubt that the very passionate and unwavering support that was put on full display on that night in July 2019 will be prevalent come Saturday, as another historic fixture for the Lions against their 2015 expansion rivals awaits.
