Orlando City and Chicago Fire FC faced off on a stormy Wednesday night, with Antoine Griezmann and Robert Lewandowski both playing key roles in a 2-1 victory for the visitors.
“Of course, disappointed with the result. Very, very disappointed because we were playing at home, and we want to win,” Orlando interim head coach Martín Perelman said. “I think it was a game that we could have had a different result. It’s over, nothing to do. We played against a good team. We couldn’t score the chances we created; they were effective.”
Chicago (11-6-2, 35 points) scored its opening goal in the 4th minute thanks to Puso Dithejane. Orlando (6-11-3, 21) failed to clear the ball after Lewandowski headed it across the box. That allowed Dithejane to smash the ball past Maxime Crépeau on Chicago’s first shot of the game, giving the team a 1-0 lead.
The whistle was blown for a lightning delay with only two minutes left in the second half. The delay lasted just under two hours before the teams came back and finished the first half. Halftime was replaced with a short water break before the second half resumed.
“We used the time to review the game, to make the adjustments that we needed. Some subs as well,” Perelman added. “I think they worked. I think we went out in a much better way. We were able to tie the game, and then we push. I think the effort of the players was there.”
Orlando tied it up at 1-1 in the 52nd minute off a set piece. Griezmann’s corner kick was delivered perfectly for David Brekalo to head home. The Lions had 16 shots, five on target, but were unable to get past goalkeeper Chris Brady a second time.
Lewandowski earned a penalty in the 65th minute after Robin Jansson took him down from behind in the box. Jansson was shown a yellow card, and Lewandowski slotted his shot to the left of Crépeau to make it 2-1 in the 69th minute.
Orlando has a quick turnaround, welcoming Real Salt Lake to town on Saturday.