An exhilarating 2-2 draw took place between Charlotte FC and Orlando City SC during MLS Week 19.
Charlotte FC took the lead when Pep Biel scored to make it 1-0 in the 39th minute of the first half. Just 19 minutes into the second half, Bill Tuiloma extended the advantage with a header. Orlando City SC quickly sought to make a comeback and found their reward. Ramiro Enrique capitalized on a play to beat the opposing goalkeeper, bringing the score to 1-2 in the 68th minute. Soon after, Marco Pasalic leveled the score after a brilliant play in the 79th minute.
In the 79th minute, Marco Pasalic lifted the spirits of Orlando, receiving thunderous applause. Luis Muriel handled the ball expertly before providing a cross that Pasalic finished with a powerful strike from inside the box.
Marco Pasalic’s performance earned him the title of Player of the Match. The Orlando City SC midfielder netted 1 goal and attempted 4 shots on target.
Pep Biel also had an impressive outing, scoring 1 goal and taking 5 attempts at the goal for Charlotte FC.
Coach Dean Smith fielded Charlotte FC in a 3-5-2 formation with Kristijan Kahlina in goal; Adilson Malanda, Bill Tuiloma, and Jahkeele Marshall-Rutty in defense; Nicholas Scardina, Djibril Diani, Ashley Westwood, Brandt Bronico, and Pep Biel in midfield; and Idan Toklomati and Kerwin Vargas in the attack.
On the other hand, Oscar Pareja lined up Orlando City SC also in a 3-5-2 setup, with Pedro Gallese protecting the goal; Rodrigo Schlegel, Robin Jansson, and David Brekalo in defense; Dagur Thórhallsson, Marco Pasalic, Eduard Atuesta, César Araujo, and Martín Ojeda in midfield; and Ramiro Enrique and Luis Muriel leading the attack.
In the upcoming matchday, Charlotte FC will face New York City FC at home, while Orlando will play against CF Montréal.
Substitutions for Charlotte FC
70’ 2H – Djibril Diani off for Tyger Smalls
79’ 2H – Kerwin Vargas off for Liel Abada
83’ 2H – Bill Tuiloma off for Andrew Privett
Yellow Cards for Charlotte FC:
3’ 2H Idan Toklomati (Unsporting Behavior), 22’ 2H Ashley Westwood (Dissent)
Substitutions for Orlando City SC
45’ 2H – David Brekalo off for Rafael Santos
65’ 2H – Dagur Thórhallsson off for Iván Angulo
76’ 2H – Robin Jansson off for Kyle Smith
Yellow Cards for Orlando City SC:
16’ 1H David Brekalo (Unsporting Behavior), 18’ 2H Pedro Gallese (Unsporting Behavior), 29’ 2H Robin Jansson (Unsporting Behavior), and 50’ 2H César Araujo (Unsporting Behavior)