There were some nervy moments towards the end, but an early goal from Jr. Urso was enough to secure Orlando City a 1-0 victory over FC Cincinnati on Saturday evening at TQL Stadium.  

“Great result for us, we needed,” said head coach Oscar Pareja. “… We came convinced about getting those three points. I think the effort in the field was great, they’re showing more time character during the whole game, a very difficult game to play also against rival who didn’t have much to play for, but they’re professionals that took a lot of risks.”

Urso scored the only goal of the match in the 13th minute when a play from Ruan saw the right-back defender cut inside the box before dishing the ball to Urso who struck from outside the area, beating the goalkeeper to give the Lions (12-8-9, 45 points) an early lead, which would be held throughout the match.  

Junior Urso from distance! @OrlandoCitySC take the early lead. pic.twitter.com/KABwbue9XN

— Major League Soccer (@MLS) October 16, 2021

The result was Orlando’s first road victory since June 25 when the Lions beat Inter Miami 2-1. The result was also the first shutout victory since August 21 during a 1-0 win over the Chicago Fire at Exploria Stadium. 

In the 84th minute, it looked like Tesho Akindele gave Orlando a 2-0 lead when his shot from distance appeared to bounce over the goal line, but no official call from the head referee was signaled, nor was the play reviewed by the Video Assistant Referee (VAR).

Hmm… 👀 @Tesho13 | #CINvORL pic.twitter.com/wmzWXa2H2z

— Orlando City SC (@OrlandoCitySC) October 17, 2021

The VAR did check for a potential potential in stoppage time when Rodrigo Schlegel appeared to foul Brandon Vazquez. 

CIN vs. ORL

The penalty kick not awarded to CIN was reviewed for a foul.
After further review, the decision to not award a penalty kick stands.

— MLS Video Review (@MLSVAR) October 17, 2021

Up next … 

The Lions take on Club de Foot Montreal on Wednesday at Exploria Stadium with kickoff scheduled at 7:30 p.m. and the match being televised on FOX 35 Plus and LionNation TV. 

Scoring Summary 

13’ – Jr. Urso, assisted by Ruan (ORL) 

How the Lions lined up 

OrlandoCity XI: Pedro Gallese; Emmanuel Mas, Robin Jansson, Antonio Carlos, Ruan; Andres Perea (Oriol Rosell, 82’), Jr. Urso, Nani – c – (Silvester van der Water, 82’), Mauricio Pereyra (Rodrigo Schlegel, 90’), Chris Mueller (Benji Michel, 70’); Daryl Dike (Tesho Akindele, 70’). 

Substitutes: Mason Stajduhar, Kyle Smith, Sebastian Mendez, Alexandre Pato. 

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