ORLANDO (Florida Sports Wire) – Orlando City SC (1-0-0, 3 points) defeated the New York Red Bulls (0-1-0, 0 points) 1-0 on Saturday night to start their 2023 Major League Soccer (MLS) campaign. With the victory, the Lions have now gone nine-years unbeaten to start a campaign, having yet to lose on opening night since joining the league in 2015. The Lions were backed by a penalty kick goal from forward Facundo Torres in the second half. The goal marked the Lion’s first goal of the 2023 season and Torres’ 10th in MLS. Goalkeeper Pedro Gallese made four saves on the night, including two highlight saves in the 86th minute along with a denial of a Red Bulls free kick at the death to seal the victory for the home side. ‘El Pulpo’ has started in between the sticks to open City’s last four campaigns, recording a clean sheet all four years.
Orlando City will host FC Cincinnati on Saturday, March 4, at Exploria Stadium. Kickoff for the match is set for 7:30 p.m.
Match Notes: Torres netted his first goal of the 2023 campaign, now with 14 in purple across all competitions and 10 in MLS. Torres now has scored in three-consecutive matches against Saturday’s opposition, netting the game-winner in the Lions’ previous match against the Red Bulls, a 1-0 victory on the road on Aug. 13, 2022. Pedro Gallese made four saves and extended his streak of shutouts on opening night to four-consecutive campaigns, not allowing a goal in a season-opener since his arrival to the City Beautiful. Luca Petrasso and Martín Ojeda each made their Orlando City debuts with the start on Saturday night, with the latter making his MLS debut as well. Mauricio Pereyra began his campaign as captain for the Lions for the second-consecutive year, registering his 99th appearance in purple in all competitions. Ramiro Enrique tallied his debut in purple, entering the game in the 63rd minute. Dagur Dan Thórhallsson appeared in his first match for the Lions, coming into the game in the 78th minute.