
Photo: Aaron Doster / USA TODAY Sports
Orlando City played to a 1-1 draw against last-place FC Cincinnati at Nippert Stadium but still found themselves officially out of the MLS Cup playoffs on Sunday.
Allan Cruz opened the scoring for Cincy in the 40th minute after he was left unmarked to strike from close range past Brian Rowe, but second-half substitute Benji Michel’s goal in stoppage time tied the game 1-1 for the Lions.
The New England Revolution, who were also playing at the same time, defeated New York City FC 2-0 to clinch the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference table thus ending the Lions’ playoff chances for a fifth consecutive year.
Notes from the game
- João Moutinho, who’s been recovering from a hamstring and quad injury, returned to the lineup for the first time since Aug. 3 but exited the game early in the 14th minute because of a reported calf injury.
- Orlando is now seven consecutive games without a win (4 draws, 3 losses) — its longest winless run of the season. City’s last win came on Aug. 14 during 1-0 win over Sporting KC.
- Benji Michel’s stoppage-time goal handed Cincinnati the record for most goals allowed in a single season with 75.
- Designated player Mauricio Pereyra played his first 90-minute game for the Lions on Sunday.
Goal summary vs. FC Cincinnati
40′ – Allan Cruz (FC Cincinnati)
90+1′ – Benji Michel, assisted by Dom Dwyer and Nani (Orlando City)
How the Lions lined up
Orlando City XI: Brian Rowe; João Moutinho (Kyle Smith, 14′), Robin Jansson, Lamine Sané, Ruan; Will Johnson, Sebastián Méndez (Chris Mueller, 67′), Mauricio Pereyra; Nani (c), Tesho Akindele (Benji Michel, 58′), Dom Dwyer.
Orlando Bench: Greg Ranjitsingh, Kamal Miller, Uri Rosell, Carlos Ascues.
Around MLS
New England Revolution 2, New York City FC 0
New York Red Bulls 0, D.C. United 0
Montreal Impact 1, Atlanta United 1
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