Second half goals from Facundo Torres and Benji Michel gave City of Orlando SC 3-0 win Republic of Sacramento on wednesday night US Open Cup finally, bring Orlando its first trophy since 2015 Big football tournament debut and a location in 2023 CONCACAF Champions League.
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Sacramento controlled their game for the first 45 minutes, organizing a solid defense against the eventual champions who had more possession but no shots on target. In the second half, Orlando finally broke the tie, leading to Torres scoring in the 75th minute and the next goal in the 80th through a penalty kick. In injury time, Torres again scored with an assist for Michel to score in the 96th minute.
Republic, the second division is underrated as a member of USL . Championshipproved devastating in the late game and couldn’t find the net after the final whistle.
CLICK: Player Rating | Best/Worst Actor | Outstanding and remarkable moments | Quotes after the game | Upcoming furniture
Rapid response
1. Facing the “spygate”, Orlando triumphed
First of all, we have to give Orlando credit. While maintaining a well-deserved spot in the MLS East playoffs, coach Oscar Pareja and his players were able to fight their way through some impressive US Open Cup matches across the country. the road to the championship on Wednesday.
The result against Republic not only gave Orlando their first trophy since joining the MLS, but it was also a much-anticipated invite to the next edition of CCL.
That said, having played Goliath against their lower division rivals, Orlando had failed to secure a win over any of the neutrals when reports came out on Tuesday that a team employee was injured. allegedly watched Sacramento practice. ESPN’s Taylor Twellman was the first to report this, along with colleagues Jeff Carlisle reports that Republic has filed a complaint to the United States Soccer Federation. No decision has been made from the USSF.
In the end, scouting or not, it might not make much of a difference in Wednesday’s game, but it will likely leave a small but noticeable stain on the title if the USSF confirms that an employee Orlando is doing a reality check.
2. Despite losing, Sacramento still completes an extraordinary cup run
Republic exceeded expectations by just entering the field against Orlando. Leading up to the final, Sacramento was the first team not to reach the MLS finals since 2008 with the goal of becoming the first lower-division team to lift the US Open Cup trophy in the 21st century.
After being set to join the MLS as an extended franchise – and then go on an indefinite hiatus in early 2021 – Sacramento played with a chip on its shoulders as they stunned three MLS teams in the process. to the US Open Cup final.
Coach Mark Briggs and his team didn’t allow Orlando to hit the target until the second half, offering hope for an unlikely and possible win, but disbanded during the hot period. of the finals. With space to run, Orlando created much-needed chances in the final third and scored three goals after 70 minutes.
Sacramento proved they can keep up with MLS teams, but on Wednesday, when that mattered most, they faced a group of Orlando players who deserved to be champions.
3. Torres and Michel who make the difference for Orlando
At just 22 years old, Torres will become tonight’s young hero with two goals and assists. Winger, determined to secure a place in the World Cup on UruguayHis squad, which took charge not only with his brace, but also his duels and messy ball distribution in the final third helped find the final goal of the night. .
Equally worthy of praise, and perhaps more, is Michel. After coming on in the 61st minute, the 24-year-old American excelled in taking the initiative to attack, winning a penalty and providing an assist before scoring in injury time.
Without Torres and Michel, Orlando might have had a very different fate in the title game.
Player Rating
Sacramento Republic: Daniel Vitiello 5, Lee Desmond 6, Conor Donovan 5, Dan Casey 4, Damia Viader 6, Luis Felipe Fernandes 6, Matt LaGrassa 6, Jack Gurr 6, Rodrigo Lopez 7, Maalique Foster 6, Keko 7
Register: Douglas Martinez 6, Emil Cuello 7, Luther Archimede 6, Nick Ross 6
City of Orlando: Pedro Gallese 7, Joao Moutinho 8, Rodrigo Schlegel 7, Antonio Carlos 7, Ruan 7, Mauricio Pereyra 6, Cesar Araujo 7, Junior Orso 6, Ivan Angulo 7, Ercan Kara 5, Facundo Torres 9
Register: Benji Michel 9, Kyle Smith 7, Tesho Akindele 7, Andres Perea 6, Wilder Cartagena 6
Best and worst performers
THE BEST: Beni Michel, Orlando
It was a close match between Michel and Torres, but it had to be Michel for his immediate impact right off the bench through goals, assists and penalties won. Having played less than a half, hometown product Orlando is by far one of the most fit players on the field.
THE WORST: Dan Casey, Sacramento
Casey did well quietly before his mistakes changed the entire outcome of the final. Republic were keeping up with Orlando until Casey gave way for Torres’ first goal in the 75th minute. Minutes later, a reckless challenge from the opposing defender then produced a penalty and scored the second. .
Outstanding and remarkable moments
The 12th man was in full force at Orlando’s sold-out home venue.
A breathtaking view @opencup | #DaleMiAmor pic.twitter.com/DXYZ45kkrq
– Orlando City SC (@OrlandoCitySC) September 8, 2022
Exploria Stadium had power all evening and was arguably the liveliest and loudest ever after Orlando’s first goal was scored.
The first blood arrives @OrlandoCitySC
Facundo Torres finds the top corner to send home fans into a frenzy – and leaves @SacRepublicFC with work to do.
1-0 | # USOC2022 pic.twitter.com/9KEIOSwu0C
– US Open Cup (@opencup) September 8, 2022
After the game: What the manager, the players say
“Colombia, my country, the people of my family. I am very proud to be a Colombian who came to this country to show that we are good.” – An emotional Pareja after the game was asked what was on his mind after Orlando won the title.
“We’re on a four-match winning streak [in MLS] … this trophy gives us some motivation to keep fighting in the league. “- Torres on the extra boost the title could give as Orlando looks towards a possible playoff in the MLS.
Next
Sacramento Republic: Back in the USL action on Saturday, hosting Loudon United FC.
City of Orlando: A trip to visit the strongest team in the MLS Eastern Conference, the Philadelphia Union, on Saturday.
