Orlando reaches semifinals with shootout win over LAFC
Orlando City left it late, but Oscar Pareja's men engineered a dramatic comeback to beat Los Angeles FC on Friday and reach the MLS is Back Tournament semifinals.
LAFC had a 1-0 lead heading into injury time, but Joao Moutinho burned his former club with a dramatic equalizer. Nani then converted the winning penalty in the ensuing shootout.
NANI WALKS IT OFF. #ORLvLAFC pic.twitter.com/6idbfyjeNK
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) August 1, 2020
Orlando was the better side for much of the opening hour, creating plenty of chances and limiting LAFC to zero shots on target.
Despite the lack of opportunities, LAFC jumped in front in the 60th minute when Bradley Wright-Phillips scored from close range moments after Kenneth Vermeer stopped Nani's penalty.
Nani, meet @kennethvermeer. ⛔️#ORLvLAFC 0-0 pic.twitter.com/5iEiao7Xsw
— LAFC (@LAFC) August 1, 2020
As the match entered injury time, Moutinho, whom LAFC drafted first overall in 2018, scored a header off a corner to send the game to penalties.
Jordan Harvey's miss proved to be the difference as no other players faltered from the spot.
Orlando will take on the winner of Saturday's quarterfinal matchup between the San Jose Earthquakes and Minnesota United.