Orlando City beat Charlotte FC 3-1 and achieved 11 consecutive matches undefeated in the MLS regular season. The win at Inter&Co Stadium not only secured the team three crucial points but also took them a single game away from tying the club's all-time record of 12 matchday unbeaten. The solid victory over a direct rival makes Oscar Pareja's team one of the most consistent in the Eastern Conference at this stage of the tournament.
The win left Orlando at 21 points in sixth place, Charlotte still at 19, a spot behind in seventh.
Strong start
Muriel's first-half strike put Orlando in control and ahead on the game. The action began slowly as David Brekalo stole a Charlotte turnover. César Araújo played the ball under pressure and found Muriel at the top of the box. The striker unleashed with power. The ball rocketed up and past goalkeeper Kahlina. It was Muriel's fifth goal of the season, an important one for the player.
And just after the goal, the team continued its flow. It created chances and had presence in the attacking third. In the 25th minute, the hero was once again Ojeda. From a Marco Pašalić blocked shot, the rebound was to Ojeda, who delivered it first-time from the left foot into the bottom right corner.
It was his eighth of the season, placing him tied for third among MLS leading scorers. It was his 21st while sporting the Orlando jersey, a number that places him tied for eighth all time on the club's scoring list.
Charlotte's response
Charlotte managed to cut the lead at the end of the first half. At minute 34, Wilfried Zaha, after a pass from Ashley Westwood, had the ball at the top of the box. He turned, dropped his defender, and struck a good shot low into the left corner. Pedro Gallese was unable to stop it.
In spite of the scare, Orlando stayed focused. The team showed maturity in handling the game and not giving the opponent any obvious chances at halftime.
Controlled second half
The second period was not as exciting in terms of opportunities, but Orlando maintained control in the midfield. In the 76th minute, Ramiro Enrique was substituted to add more power to the attack. The Argentine, having recovered from injury, took advantage of the opportunity to create.
In the 82nd minute, Brekalo assisted again. He picked out Enrique in his stride. The striker broke clear, beat the defender and goalkeeper with two touches, and then placed the ball in the top right corner. It was Enrique's first of the 2025 season. The player was instrumental last season and is now attempting to win his place in the team.