Pedro Gallese Takes Orlando City to the Leagues Cup Semi-Finals
After back-to-back penalty saves, Gallese bags the winning penalty to topple Toluca.
In a much-anticipated test for Orlando City, it would take penalty kicks to take the Lions past the Diablos Rojos of Toluca. Both teams came into the match feeling confident about their chances. Orlando, undefeated in their last four, has been steaming ahead in both MLS and Leagues cup since mid-July, defeating such teams as Inter Miami, Atlas, and Columbus Crew. Toluca, who are the reigning Liga MX champions, have only lost one game- against Tigres- since May. What happens when the two highest scoring teams in their leagues are pitted against each other? Apparently, a scoreless game that needed penalties to decide the winner.
Going into the match, both coaches made the decision to use a 4-2-3-1 formation. Toluca’s game plan seemed to be utilizing Alexis Vega and Helinho to create chances for Paulinho to score. In support of the front three would be fullback Jesus Gallardo who’s job was to play in balls from out wide to the box. This gameplan proved to threaten Orlando several times throughout the game, especially on the counter. Orlando on the other hand, played a slightly different game. Instead, they utlized quick passing and coordinated runs to stretch the very advanced Toluca back line. The best chance during the whole game came from a Marco Pasalic through ball that Martin Ojeda put in the net that was just offside.
Overall, the game wasn’t much to speak of; chances were created, however, each keeper only recorded one save each. After 90 minutes both teams would head back to their benches and the game would proceed straight to penalty kicks. After both teams netted the first five peanlties, the first save came from Gallese after Nicolas Castro went low and not far enough to the left. The shootout would remain interesting as Ramiro Enrique completely missed the goal on the next kick. El Pulpo would return back into his net to face Juan Dominguez; Dominguez- like the previous two- went towards the left but Gallese had him well-read. With back-to-back saves, Gallese, in a surge of confidence, made his call to take the next peanlty for Orlando. Now keeper versus keeper, Gallese sized up his counterpart and confidently sent the ball into the net to take his team to their first Leagues Cup semi-final.
The hunt for silverware will continue for Orlando as it will be yet another Sol Classico against Inter Miami who were able to overcome UANL Tigres in their respective matchup. But before then, Orlando will travel to the Music City to face Nashville SC which will be a marquee match in MLS this weekend.