In a tightly contested affair at Inter and Co Stadium, Orlando City SC and Columbus Crew finished their match with the score level at 1-1. The scoring began with Columbus Crew’s defender, Andrés Herrera, finding the back of the net in the 31st minute of the first half. Just two minutes later, Orlando’s midfielder Marco Pasalic equalized, putting both teams on the scoreboard.
Despite an early chance for Columbus when Dylan Chambost’s shot struck the post in the 13th minute, they couldn’t extend their lead. Columbus attempted a total of 20 shots throughout the match, managing to land 13 on target, while Orlando recorded just 10 attempts, highlighting the Crew’s attacking dominance albeit without a match-winning goal.
Marco Pasalic was undoubtedly the standout player, scoring once and making three attempts on goal. Andrés Herrera also excelled in defense for Columbus Crew, contributing significantly with his goal and clearing three shots away from the danger zone.
Orlando’s head coach, Óscar Pareja, opted for a 4-4-2 formation featuring Pedro Gallese in goal, with Alexander Freeman, David Brekalo, Robin Jansson, and Adrián Marín in defense. The midfield consisted of Marco Pasalic, Joran Gerbet, Eduard Atuesta, and Iván Angulo, while Luis Muriel and Martín Ojeda led the attack.
Meanwhile, under the guidance of Wilfried Nancy, Columbus Crew took the field in a 4-3-3 setup, with Patrick Schulte as goalkeeper, supported by defenders Andrés Herrera, Steven Moreira, Malte Amundsen, and Max Arfsten. The midfield trio included Dylan Chambost, Darlington Nagbe, and Sean Zawadzki, with a forward line comprising Hugo Picard, Diego Rossi, and Lassi Lappalainen.
The match officiated by Víctor Rivas saw substitutions from both sides as both coaches looked to alter the flow of the game. Notably, Orlando City SC will face Vancouver Whitecaps FC in their next outing, while Columbus Crew will host New York Red Bulls.
Substitutions for Orlando City SC
5’ 1T – Joran Gerbet out, Kyle Smith in
75’ 2T – Luis Muriel out, Duncan McGuire in
78’ 2T – Iván Angulo and Kyle Smith out, Dagur Thórhallsson and Nicolas Rodriguez in
79’ 2T – Marco Pasalic out, Tyrese Spicer in
Yellow Cards for Orlando City SC
20’ 2T – Alexander Freeman
47’ 2T – Nicolas Rodriguez
Substitutions for Columbus Crew
46’ 2T – Lassi Lappalainen out, Aliyu Ibrahim in
74’ 2T – Malte Amundsen out, Yevhen Cheberko in
77’ 2T – Diego Rossi out, Daniel Gazdag in
Yellow Card for Columbus Crew
23’ 1T – Malte Amundsen (Unsportsmanlike Conduct)