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MLS Week 1: Orlando City x Philadelphia Union Recap

The Lions scored first, but the Union scored four consecutive goals to upset the homeowners.

,   and  Paulo Alves Jr.
2 min read
Paulo Alves for Pitchside / X

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The 2025 season didn't start well for Orlando City when they were playing in his stadium, the Inter&Co Stadium. After opening the scoreboard in the eighth minute, the Lions conceived the draw still in the first half.

The defense collapsed at the beginning of the second half, allowing two goals in just three minutes. The Union still scored the fourth before allowing Palasic to brace.

Orlando City's new signing, Marco Pasalic, needed eight minutes to score his first MLS goal. Eduard Atuesta, who was also debuting for the Lions, passed to Martin Ojeda. The Argentinian found Pasalic entering the box from the right side. The winger approached the 6-yard box and shot with the left foot.

The Croatian became the fastest player from Orlando City to score a goal after debuting.

The Philadelphia Union scored just 15 minutes later. Angulo lost the ball just in front of the Orlando box. The ball ended up with Kai Wagner who crossed to the 6-yard box. Tai Baribo scored his first goal to tie the game.

Orlando City vs. Philadelphia Union - 2nd Half

The second half started at high speed. Quinn Sullivan crossed from the left side to the back post. Daniel Gazdag completed it with a very unlikely shot. Union 2-1.

Just three minutes later, Mikael Uhre scored after an unbelievable mistake from the Lions' defense. Union 3-1.

And the Union didn't stop. The DOOP got the fourth goal after a lucky play from Westfield. The right-back won the battle against Atuesta and crossed to Baribo to score his brace. Union 4-1.

After a corner kick, Luis Muriel hit the post. Then Palisic had to shoot twice to score his second goal. The first kick hit the post, and in the rebound, the Croatian found the net. Philadelphia Union 4–2 Orlando City.

What's Next for Orlando City?

Orlando City will be back at their stadium, to face Toronto next Saturday, March 1st, at 7:30PM. The Philadelphia Union will have their home opening against Cincinnati, also on March 1st, at 7:30PM.

Cover: Twitter / Paulo Alves Jr.

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