In a thrilling week 18 clash, Orlando City SC triumphed over St. Louis City with a score of 4-2, thanks to a standout performance from forward Ramiro Enrique, who netted two goals. The scoring for Orlando began early, with Enrique finding the net in the 6th and 21st minutes of the first half. St. Louis responded with goals from Marco Pasalic at the 8th minute and of course Simon Becher, who equalized for them at the 39th minute with a splendid shot from the edge of the box that hit the left post and went in.
Eduard Atuesta emerged as the standout player of the match, showcasing his skills with 3 successful passes and 5 shots toward goal.
Enrique’s impressive contribution didn’t go unnoticed, as he registered 2 goals and was a constant threat, attempting 6 shots on the St. Louis goal at the Energizer Park.
St. Louis City’s head coach, David Critchley, opted for a 4-3-3 formation, featuring Roman Bürki in goal, with a defensive line consisting of Tomas Totland, Kyle Hiebert, Timo Baumgartl, and Jayden Reid. The midfield trio consisted of Akil Watts, Simon Becher, and Marcel Hartel, while the attack was led by Cedric Teuchert, João Klauss, and Célio Pompeu.
Meanwhile, Orlando City SC, managed by Óscar Pareja, utilized a 4-4-2 setup, with Pedro Gallese safeguarding the goal, a backline comprising Dagur Thórhallsson, David Brekalo, Robin Jansson, and Kyle Smith, and a midfield made up of Marco Pasalic, Eduard Atuesta, César Araujo, and Iván Angulo, supporting forwards Martín Ojeda and Ramiro Enrique.
The match was officiated by referee Guido Gonzales Jr. at the Energizer Park.
Looking ahead, St. Louis City is set to face Real Salt Lake away while Orlando City SC will travel to challenge Charlotte FC.
Substitutions for St. Louis City
45’ 2T – Akil Watts off for Alfredo Morales
75’ 2T – Simon Becher off for Brendan McSorley
82’ 2T – Timo Baumgartl off for Michael Wentzel
Yellow Cards for St. Louis City:
21’ 2T – Jayden Reid
47’ 2T – Michael Wentzel
Substitutions for Orlando City SC
67’ 2T – Iván Angulo off for Luis Muriel, Tomas Totland off for Joseph Zalinsky, and Cedric Teuchert off for Conrad Wallem
83’ 2T – Marco Pasalic off for Zakaria Taifi
91’ 2T – Martín Ojeda off for Rafael Santos and Ramiro Enrique off for Nicolas Rodriguez