Orlando City vs. D.C. United: Photo Gallery

With Orlando City’s thus-far proficient offense on one hand and Christian Benteke on the other, Saturday’s game had the potential for a high-scoring affair. The Lions did not disappoint on that front, scoring twice in the first half and twice again just after the break to thoroughly overmatch D.C. United. The only black mark on the evening was the consolation goal that D.C. got late, resulting in a 4-1 scoreline that didn’t feel that close.

Orlando’s attack was clicking, with all three Designated Players making substantial contributions both in play and on the score sheet. Luis Muriel (goal, assist), Martin Ojeda (goal, two assists) and Marco Pašalić (goal) at times looked like they were playing a charity game instead of a league match, especially later in the game. Ojeda especially seemed to take upon himself a personal challenge of doing all his shots the hard way. Of his six shots, he deflected off Aaron Herrera’s leg in the 24th minute, Hosei Kijma’s foot in the 38th minute, and off Herrera’s rear end in the 44th minute — his goal — and then volleyed a shot in the 60th and murdered the right post in the 69th.

Goalkeeper Javier Otero got his first MLS start, stepping in due to the international window taking Pedro Gallese to South America. While D.C. provided inconsistent attack, United challenged occasionally, and Otero acquitted himself well, making three good saves. He parried away a wicked curling shot in the 77th minute and smothered two shots well in the fourth and 68th minutes, adding a handful of other critical claims.

His one sweeping foray in the 25th minute was successful but nervy, as he did not get the ball, but he and Robin Jansson managed to protect the ball and each other until the Swedish defender could clear it away. He had no real chance on the goal conceded, as Benteke beat two defenders in the air to head back across to a box full of crashing D.C. attackers in desperation time. Overall, it was a great game for the young goalkeeper to learn from and build confidence.

Overall it was an exciting game on a beautiful evening in Orlando. We hope you enjoy these images from a memorable win over D.C. United.