Orlando City vs. Atlético San Luis, Leagues Cup: Photo Gallery

Orlando City hosted Atlético San Luis in sloppy conditions Sunday in the last game of East 2 group play, fighting to a 1-1 draw despite going down a man within the first half hour. The Lions knew they’d be up against a desperate San Luis side, as the visitors needed a win to advance.

Much to the chagrin of the announced crowd of 15,662, Kyle Smith’s clear denial of a goal-scoring opportunity — even though it required a second look by the referee, it was obvious, and the initial yellow card seemed lenient — made the Lions’ job of clinching top of the group more difficult.

Down to 10 men, Wilder Cartegena dropped back into the three-back formation the Lions have previously used to much defensive success this season and continued to press for a goal. On the last play of the half they were rewarded by an excellent advance. Cesar Araujo charged up field, breaking a San Luis line and sent the ball to Ramiro Enrique, who quickly found Martin Ojeda on the left. Ojeda sent a dangerous cross to Torres outside the far post, and the Uruguayan nodded it back to the penalty spot for good finish from Enrique. Having scored six games in a row, Enrique now holds the the record for the club’s longest scoring streak.

After the half, San Luis reorganized and piled on the pressure with quick lateral ball and player movement to put stress on Orlando City’s defensive block. Orlando came close to extending their lead a couple of times, but for the most part the Lions were on the back foot throughout the second period. In the 71st minute, San Luis finally broke through, tying the match on a gotta-tip-your-hat, pinpoint cross from Benjamin Galdames that Rodrigo Dourado sprinted onto the end of to glance into the net. Since neither team was able to score again, the game ended tied 1-1.

Leagues Cup rules specify that all drawn games go to kicks from the spot to determine a “third” point. So, despite the fact that neither side could improve its position, to penalties we went. Pedro Gallese was perfect in his reads, diving the correct direction for every San Luis take, getting a hand to two and saving one. Orlando was perfect in its own attempts, with Dagur Dan Thórhallsson powering the final Orlando attempt through the strong hand of San Luis goalkeeper César López for the extra point.

We hope you enjoy these photos of a rainy game against a Liga MX opponent Orlando had never previously faced. The Lions will next take on Cruz Azul Friday at a time to be announced later.