Lions fall to Santos Laguna in Leagues Cup
Orlando City fell in the team’s first international outing, dropping a 1-0 loss to Liga MX side Santos Laguna in the first round of the Leagues Cup on Thursday night.
The match marked the first time Orlando City played an international opponent as part of the Leagues Cup, a cross-league tournament between Liga MX and Major League Soccer.
As part of the Leagues Cup tournament, the match will not count against the team’s MLS record (8-4-6, 30).
The Lions burst into the opening half with a sharpness, pummeling the Santos backline with a pair of chances within the first five minutes of play. Wingers Nani and Chris Mueller powered the team on the front line of play, while centerback Robin Jansson carved up through the middle of the field to lead counters on the Santos high press.
But despite this early energy, Orlando City couldn’t find precision in the final touch. The team placed only one of its eight first half shots on frame, sending the ball high and wide on every other opportunity.
Santos saw a similar balance of chances in the first half, taking an equal number of shots. But the visiting team took better advantage of its goal-scoring opportunities.
After Santos chased the game for most of the half, Ferney Otero skipped a shot on goal in the 30th minute. Keeper Mason Stajduhar — who is filling in for injured starter Pedro Gallese — dove for the ball, but it deflected off his gloves and into the net, giving Santos the edge.
The goal deflated the Lions, whose chances dwindled for the next 30 minutes of play. Orlando City attempted to dig back in the final third of the match, but the team struggled to place shots on frame.
Santos hardly threatened the Lions goal for the rest of the match, but the one-goal lead was plenty to hold onto the win.
The Seattle Sounders, Sporting Kansas City and New York City FC represented MLS in the tournament, while Santos Laguna, Tigres, Pumas and León represented Liga MX.
Seattle bested Tigres in a 3-0 win earlier this week to advance to the semifinal, while León beat a second-string lineup from Sporting KC to advance themselves.
The Lions will now regroup for a road match against Nashville SC next Wednesday as the team chases goals of postseason qualification and the Supporters Shield.