Dangerous Lions settle for a 2-2 draw at New York Red Bulls
Orlando City pelted New York’s box with shots in stoppage time, but Red Bulls goalkeeper Carlos Coronel and the defense snuffed out each threat.
Martin Ojeda scored Orlando’s first goal Saturday against New York Red Bulls. Photo: IMAGO
Orlando dangerous in attack
If you like goals, you have to like Orlando City in 2025; after Saturday’s 2-2 draw against the Red Bulls, their four matches have produced 19 scores.
Unfortunately for the Lions, 10 were by their opponents.
Still, on the glass-half-full side of the ledger, Orlando’s attack has been exciting to watch as well as productive. Designated players Luis Muriel, Martin Ojeda and Marco Pašalić have stepped up their play to help replace all-time leading scorer Facundo Torres, who left for Palmeiras after last season.
Ojeda and Pašalić scored the Lions’ goals Saturday both finishing counter attacks through tithe middle of the pitch with confident screamers past Red Bulls’ keeper Carlos Coronel, in the 18th and 39th minutes, respectively.
New York got one back in the 28th after a questionable foul against Orlando captain Robin Jannson against Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting in the Red Bulls’ penalty box. Choupo-Moting seemed to step across Jannson’s stride as the players jostled side-by-side vying for the ball. The referee ruled Jannson had tripped the New York player, and Choubo-Moting blasted the penalty kick just beyond the outstretched fingertips of a diving Pedro Gallese inside the left post.
Dennis Gjengaar headed home the equalizer in the 47th minute.
Oscar Pareja’s defense is still searching for an identity without midfielder Wilder Cartagena, who suffered a season-ending Achilles tendon injury during a preseason friendly.
The Lions will host D.C. United on Saturday.