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Orlando City shocks Toronto FC with incredible comeback

With return of Copa America stars, Lions surprise and rekindle MLS hopes

By Izabelle Franca

Jul 3, 2024; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Orlando City midfielder Martin Ojeda (11) scores a goal and celebrates with midfielder Ivan Angulo (77) against Toronto FC during the first half at BMO Field. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 3, 2024; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Orlando City midfielder Martin Ojeda (11) scores a goal and celebrates with midfielder Ivan Angulo (77) against Toronto FC during the first half at BMO Field. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports / Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports
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Orlando City, who had been somewhat lackluster in the MLS, surprised everyone with a spectacular comeback against Toronto FC. At BMO Field, the Lions showed grit and heart to overturn an adverse scoreline and come away with a 2-1 victory. And look, it wasn't just any win. This could be the spark the team needed to take the competition to the next level.

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Five minutes into the game, the Toronto fans were already celebrating a goal that looked like it would be a harbinger of another Orlando defeat. But then Martín Ojeda decided to show up. With an eye-catching goal, he equalized the match and gave the team a much-needed boost. Then an own goal forced by Facundo Torres sealed the comeback. The defense, which had been failing a lot, held firm this time. The only sure shot on goal was the first, and after that, nothing came of it. The return of Peruvians Pedro Gallese and Wilder Cartagena, who were at the Copa América 2024, gave the team an upgrade. Gallese in goal and Cartagena in midfield were key to the victory.

Oscar Pareja, Orlando's coach, was pleased. He praised the players' dedication and stressed the importance of this result. And it was no wonder. After a string of bad results, seeing the team react in this way gives a breath of hope. The coach also acknowledged the problems in the first few minutes, but was happy with his team's response. According to him, it's this kind of commitment that can change the club's history this season.

"I want to congratulate the players for such an important result and for this moment when we need to win. Today they showed their commitment to the club. So we're very proud of these results and the effort they put in on the pitch. That's basically who we are. We scored goals and, despite that first [Toronto] goal in the first few minutes that shouldn't have happened, the players' reaction was excellent. In the second half, it happened that we defended in the last period of the game, very poorly. This is a good step for us at the moment. Now we're looking forward to going home and winning there," said Pareja.

The win is even more significant if you consider that Orlando hadn't won after going behind since May 12, against the Philadelphia Union. And just like that game, this away win shows that the team can overcome adversity. It was only the third time in nine away games that they had taken all three points after conceding the first goal. This shows a resilience that seemed lost, but which could be the turning point for a recovery in the MLS.

The team has shown it has potential, but needs consistency. The return of Gallese and Cartagena could bring the stability that was missing. The defense, which had been failing too much, needs to maintain the level of its performance against Toronto. And in attack, players like Ojeda and Torres need to keep showing up at decisive moments.

Orlando still has a long way to go. It's far from being one of the favorites, but that's soccer. Sometimes a win like this can change the course of a season. And, let's face it, the fans deserve that boost.

For Orlando City, the next step is to keep up the intensity. The win against Toronto can't be a one-off. The team needs to turn that drive into a string of good results. If they do, the season that seemed lost could turn into a story of overcoming.

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