Orlando City SC cashes in on opportunities against Toronto FC | OneFootball

Orlando City SC players found themselves on the pitch against Toronto FC. Some new names and numbers stepped up on offense.

Toronto FC hasn’t shown any early signs of challenging in the MLS Eastern Conference. The opponents didn’t have much hope in the first half against Orlando City SC. However, the complexion of Toronto’s backline changed in the second half. That somehow gave them a spark.

The Lions piled on 2-0 through the first half. Toronto changed out half their defenders to begin the second half. That fit their new strategy and it worked.

FC defender Sigurd Rostod scored in the 72nd minute with an assist by Federico Bernardeschi. But that was only after a third Lions score by Martin Ojeda, assisted by Cesar Araujo.

Toronto midfielder Deybi Flores finished the team’s offensive show for the night with a goal in the 86th minute. But by then, Dagur Dan Thorhallsson had substituted in for Orlando and scored with assists from Luis Muriel and Ramiro Enrique.

Mar 1, 2025; Orlando, Florida, USA; Orlando City defender Alex Freeman (30) handles the ball in front of Toronto FC midfielder Deybi Flores (20) at Inter&Co Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Watters-Imagn Images | Mike Watters-Imagn Images

The final winning score was 4-2 for Orlando City. Other Lions scores were by Alex Freeman, assisted by Kyle  Smith, and Cesar Araujo.

Freeman scored his first MLS goal in joining some new offensive threats for the Lions in this match.

Toronto FC will present no major challenges to opponents this season. Yet Orlando City had to correct strategic errors from their season-opening match to ensure this victory. Some of those corrections have yet to be executed, leading to Toronto scoring twice in the second half.

Head Coach Oscar Pareja said coaches and players have identified the mistakes that allowed Toronto to cash in on their second-half chances.

It’s encouraging that Orlando can launch second-half drills after only two matches. Last season, they emphasized speed and concentration in the second. Those same drills focused on each new opponent will work this season.

Orlando City SC had an opportunity to get it together in their match against Toronto FC. They took it and won.