By Alonso Contreras
While Orlando City SC look liked they were they favorites on paper, the Lions were without one of its designated players, Austrian Ercan Kara, a decision made by head coach Oscar Pareja.
The first few minutes were back and forth, with both teams looking to score the first goal and thus control the game.
A dangerous free kick for Orlando City after 10 minutes played. The Red Bull’s player committed a foul against captain Mauricio Pereyra close to the penalty box.
What a save by “the Octopus” Pedro Gallese, it’s truly incredible what he does every game
Alexandre Pato came extremely close to scoring the first goal of the night after a good cross from Ruan in the 15th minute of the first half.
New York Red Bulls constantly attacking, creating corner kicks and another ball that hits the post.
Pato misses the second of the night after a strong cross from Ruan. The Brazilian striker sends it into the stands.
With a ball that Pato looses, the Venezuelan Red Bull player Casseres takes advantage of it by sending a deep lying pass to find Morgan alone. He then shoots a very powerful shot to the far post of Gallese, scoring the first of the night.
Cesar Araujo celebrates the equalizer in the last play of the first half after finding the ball on a rebound after hitting the post.
The rain was the main protagonist at the beginning of the second half.
What a great goal that started with an Antonio Carlos pass to Urso, who with his pass makes two RBNY players collide, Ruan then receives it and passes it to Mauricio. Mauricio returns to Ruan and Ruan returns to Mauricio. The captain throws a long ball to Facundo Torres and the Uruguayan makes a filtered pass to Joao Moutinho who then crosses it to Mauricio Pereyra who scores the second goal of the night.
In the 55th minute, Facundo Torres is fouled near the box where Pato takes the free kick without much danger.
Pato makes a great pass to Facundo Torres who shoots a shot that is sent to the corner kick. After many rebounds, Araujo volleys, the third goal of the night and the second of his personal account.
GOOAALL Facu after a play that was well assumed by the referee. Here are the images.
Benji Michel capped off a spectacular night for Orlando City, scoring the fifth goal of the night. A whole batch of goals.
The final will be played on September 7, 2022, at 8 pm in Orlando against Sacramento, who is coming off a historic win. It will be a final not for the faint of heart.