Facundo Torres, Martin Ojeda, Pedro Gallese lead Orlando City past Charlotte 2-0 in playoff opener
Facundo Torres, Martin Ojeda, Pedro Gallese lead Orlando City past Charlotte 2-0 in playoff opener
Charlotte FC players acknowledge their fans before a best-of-three first-round soccer match against Orlando City for the MLS Cup, Sunday, Oct. 27, 2024, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Kevin Kolczynski)
Charlotte FC, left, and Orlando City, right, stand on the field before a best-of-three first-round soccer match for the MLS Cup, Sunday, Oct. 27, 2024, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Kevin Kolczynski)
Charlotte FC midfielder Pep Biel (10) and Orlando City midfielder Martín Ojeda (11) fight for ball during the first half of a best-of-three first-round soccer match for the MLS Cup, Sunday, Oct. 27, 2024, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Kevin Kolczynski)
Orlando City midfielder Dagur Dan Þórhallsson (17) looks to score against Charlotte FC during the first half of a best-of-three first-round soccer match for the MLS Cup, Sunday, Oct. 27, 2024, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Kevin Kolczynski)
Charlotte FC goalkeeper Kristijan Kahlina, center bottom, stops a shot by Orlando City forward Ramiro Enrique, right, during the first half of a best-of-three first-round soccer match for the MLS Cup, Sunday, Oct. 27, 2024, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Kevin Kolczynski)
Charlotte FC midfielder Júnior Urso, center, falls as Orlando City midfielder Wilder Cartagena (16) and forward Iván Angulo (77) defend against him during the first half of a best-of-three first-round soccer match for the MLS Cup, Sunday, Oct. 27, 2024, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Kevin Kolczynski)
Charlotte FC midfielder Júnior Urso, front left, defends against Orlando City defender Rafael Santos, right, during the first half of a best-of-three first-round soccer match for the MLS Cup, Sunday, Oct. 27, 2024, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Kevin Kolczynski)
Orlando City forward Facundo Torres, right, brings ball downfield with midfielder Dagur Dan Þórhallsson, center, as he is defended by Charlotte FC’s Tim Ream, left, during the first half of a best-of-three first-round soccer match for the MLS Cup, Sunday, Oct. 27, 2024, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Kevin Kolczynski)
Orlando City forward Facundo Torres (10) brings ball downfield with midfielder Dagur Dan Þórhallsson (17) as he is defended by Charlotte FC’s Tim Ream (3) during the first half of a best-of-three first-round soccer match for the MLS Cup, Sunday, Oct. 27, 2024, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Kevin Kolczynski)
Orlando City forward Ramiro Enrique (7) kicks the ball toward the goal as he is defended by Charlotte FC midfielder Andrew Privett, right, during the first half of a best-of-three first-round soccer match for the MLS Cup, Sunday, Oct. 27, 2024, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Kevin Kolczynski)
Charlotte FC goalkeeper Kristijan Kahlina, left, stops a shot by Orlando City forward Ramiro Enrique, right, during the first half of a best-of-three first-round soccer match for the MLS Cup, Sunday, Oct. 27, 2024, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Kevin Kolczynski)
Charlotte FC midfielder Pep Biel, walks off pitch after being ejected during the second half of a best-of-three first-round soccer match against Orlando City for the MLS Cup, Sunday, Oct. 27, 2024, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Kevin Kolczynski)
Charlotte FC defender Nathan Byrne, center, kicks the ball toward teammate forward Patrick Agyemang, right, while defended by Orlando City defender Rodrigo Schlegel, left, during the second half of a best-of-three first-round soccer match for the MLS Cup, Sunday, Oct. 27, 2024, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Kevin Kolczynski)
Orlando City defender Kyle Smith, left, forces Charlotte FC forward Kerwin Vargas, right, out of bounds during the second half of a best-of-three first-round soccer match for the MLS Cup, Sunday, Oct. 27, 2024, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Kevin Kolczynski)
Orlando City forward Luis Muriel, left, heads the ball over Charlotte FC defender Adilson Malanda, right, during the second half of a best-of-three first-round soccer match for the MLS Cup, Sunday, Oct. 27, 2024, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Kevin Kolczynski)
Orlando City forward Duncan McGuire (13) heads the ball against Charlotte FC during the second half of a best-of-three first-round soccer match for the MLS Cup, Sunday, Oct. 27, 2024, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Kevin Kolczynski)
CORRECTS TO ORLANDO CITY FORWARD LUIS MURIEL NOT DEFENDER RAFAEL SANTOS - Charlotte FC forward Kerwin Vargas, bottom, protects the ball against Orlando City forward Luis Muriel, top left, and defender Kyle Smith (24) during the second half of a best-of-three first-round soccer match for the MLS Cup, Sunday, Oct. 27, 2024, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Kevin Kolczynski)
Charlotte FC midfielder Ashley Westwood (8) brings the ball downfield during the second half of a best-of-three first-round soccer match against Orlando City for the MLS Cup, Sunday, Oct. 27, 2024, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Kevin Kolczynski)
Charlotte FC players acknowledge their fans before a best-of-three first-round soccer match against Orlando City for the MLS Cup, Sunday, Oct. 27, 2024, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Kevin Kolczynski)
Charlotte FC players acknowledge their fans before a best-of-three first-round soccer match against Orlando City for the MLS Cup, Sunday, Oct. 27, 2024, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Kevin Kolczynski)
Charlotte FC, left, and Orlando City, right, stand on the field before a best-of-three first-round soccer match for the MLS Cup, Sunday, Oct. 27, 2024, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Kevin Kolczynski)
Charlotte FC, left, and Orlando City, right, stand on the field before a best-of-three first-round soccer match for the MLS Cup, Sunday, Oct. 27, 2024, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Kevin Kolczynski)
Charlotte FC midfielder Pep Biel (10) and Orlando City midfielder Martín Ojeda (11) fight for ball during the first half of a best-of-three first-round soccer match for the MLS Cup, Sunday, Oct. 27, 2024, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Kevin Kolczynski)
Charlotte FC midfielder Pep Biel (10) and Orlando City midfielder Martín Ojeda (11) fight for ball during the first half of a best-of-three first-round soccer match for the MLS Cup, Sunday, Oct. 27, 2024, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Kevin Kolczynski)
Orlando City midfielder Dagur Dan Þórhallsson (17) looks to score against Charlotte FC during the first half of a best-of-three first-round soccer match for the MLS Cup, Sunday, Oct. 27, 2024, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Kevin Kolczynski)
Orlando City midfielder Dagur Dan Þórhallsson (17) looks to score against Charlotte FC during the first half of a best-of-three first-round soccer match for the MLS Cup, Sunday, Oct. 27, 2024, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Kevin Kolczynski)
Charlotte FC goalkeeper Kristijan Kahlina, center bottom, stops a shot by Orlando City forward Ramiro Enrique, right, during the first half of a best-of-three first-round soccer match for the MLS Cup, Sunday, Oct. 27, 2024, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Kevin Kolczynski)
Charlotte FC goalkeeper Kristijan Kahlina, center bottom, stops a shot by Orlando City forward Ramiro Enrique, right, during the first half of a best-of-three first-round soccer match for the MLS Cup, Sunday, Oct. 27, 2024, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Kevin Kolczynski)
Charlotte FC midfielder Júnior Urso, center, falls as Orlando City midfielder Wilder Cartagena (16) and forward Iván Angulo (77) defend against him during the first half of a best-of-three first-round soccer match for the MLS Cup, Sunday, Oct. 27, 2024, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Kevin Kolczynski)
Charlotte FC midfielder Júnior Urso, center, falls as Orlando City midfielder Wilder Cartagena (16) and forward Iván Angulo (77) defend against him during the first half of a best-of-three first-round soccer match for the MLS Cup, Sunday, Oct. 27, 2024, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Kevin Kolczynski)
Charlotte FC midfielder Júnior Urso, front left, defends against Orlando City defender Rafael Santos, right, during the first half of a best-of-three first-round soccer match for the MLS Cup, Sunday, Oct. 27, 2024, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Kevin Kolczynski)
Charlotte FC midfielder Júnior Urso, front left, defends against Orlando City defender Rafael Santos, right, during the first half of a best-of-three first-round soccer match for the MLS Cup, Sunday, Oct. 27, 2024, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Kevin Kolczynski)
Orlando City forward Facundo Torres, right, brings ball downfield with midfielder Dagur Dan Þórhallsson, center, as he is defended by Charlotte FC’s Tim Ream, left, during the first half of a best-of-three first-round soccer match for the MLS Cup, Sunday, Oct. 27, 2024, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Kevin Kolczynski)
Orlando City forward Facundo Torres, right, brings ball downfield with midfielder Dagur Dan Þórhallsson, center, as he is defended by Charlotte FC’s Tim Ream, left, during the first half of a best-of-three first-round soccer match for the MLS Cup, Sunday, Oct. 27, 2024, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Kevin Kolczynski)
Orlando City forward Facundo Torres (10) brings ball downfield with midfielder Dagur Dan Þórhallsson (17) as he is defended by Charlotte FC’s Tim Ream (3) during the first half of a best-of-three first-round soccer match for the MLS Cup, Sunday, Oct. 27, 2024, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Kevin Kolczynski)
Orlando City forward Facundo Torres (10) brings ball downfield with midfielder Dagur Dan Þórhallsson (17) as he is defended by Charlotte FC’s Tim Ream (3) during the first half of a best-of-three first-round soccer match for the MLS Cup, Sunday, Oct. 27, 2024, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Kevin Kolczynski)
Orlando City forward Ramiro Enrique (7) kicks the ball toward the goal as he is defended by Charlotte FC midfielder Andrew Privett, right, during the first half of a best-of-three first-round soccer match for the MLS Cup, Sunday, Oct. 27, 2024, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Kevin Kolczynski)
Orlando City forward Ramiro Enrique (7) kicks the ball toward the goal as he is defended by Charlotte FC midfielder Andrew Privett, right, during the first half of a best-of-three first-round soccer match for the MLS Cup, Sunday, Oct. 27, 2024, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Kevin Kolczynski)
Charlotte FC goalkeeper Kristijan Kahlina, left, stops a shot by Orlando City forward Ramiro Enrique, right, during the first half of a best-of-three first-round soccer match for the MLS Cup, Sunday, Oct. 27, 2024, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Kevin Kolczynski)
Charlotte FC goalkeeper Kristijan Kahlina, left, stops a shot by Orlando City forward Ramiro Enrique, right, during the first half of a best-of-three first-round soccer match for the MLS Cup, Sunday, Oct. 27, 2024, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Kevin Kolczynski)
Charlotte FC midfielder Pep Biel, walks off pitch after being ejected during the second half of a best-of-three first-round soccer match against Orlando City for the MLS Cup, Sunday, Oct. 27, 2024, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Kevin Kolczynski)
Charlotte FC midfielder Pep Biel, walks off pitch after being ejected during the second half of a best-of-three first-round soccer match against Orlando City for the MLS Cup, Sunday, Oct. 27, 2024, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Kevin Kolczynski)
Charlotte FC defender Nathan Byrne, center, kicks the ball toward teammate forward Patrick Agyemang, right, while defended by Orlando City defender Rodrigo Schlegel, left, during the second half of a best-of-three first-round soccer match for the MLS Cup, Sunday, Oct. 27, 2024, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Kevin Kolczynski)
Charlotte FC defender Nathan Byrne, center, kicks the ball toward teammate forward Patrick Agyemang, right, while defended by Orlando City defender Rodrigo Schlegel, left, during the second half of a best-of-three first-round soccer match for the MLS Cup, Sunday, Oct. 27, 2024, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Kevin Kolczynski)
Orlando City defender Kyle Smith, left, forces Charlotte FC forward Kerwin Vargas, right, out of bounds during the second half of a best-of-three first-round soccer match for the MLS Cup, Sunday, Oct. 27, 2024, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Kevin Kolczynski)
Orlando City defender Kyle Smith, left, forces Charlotte FC forward Kerwin Vargas, right, out of bounds during the second half of a best-of-three first-round soccer match for the MLS Cup, Sunday, Oct. 27, 2024, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Kevin Kolczynski)
Orlando City forward Luis Muriel, left, heads the ball over Charlotte FC defender Adilson Malanda, right, during the second half of a best-of-three first-round soccer match for the MLS Cup, Sunday, Oct. 27, 2024, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Kevin Kolczynski)
Orlando City forward Luis Muriel, left, heads the ball over Charlotte FC defender Adilson Malanda, right, during the second half of a best-of-three first-round soccer match for the MLS Cup, Sunday, Oct. 27, 2024, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Kevin Kolczynski)
Orlando City forward Duncan McGuire (13) heads the ball against Charlotte FC during the second half of a best-of-three first-round soccer match for the MLS Cup, Sunday, Oct. 27, 2024, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Kevin Kolczynski)
Orlando City forward Duncan McGuire (13) heads the ball against Charlotte FC during the second half of a best-of-three first-round soccer match for the MLS Cup, Sunday, Oct. 27, 2024, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Kevin Kolczynski)
CORRECTS TO ORLANDO CITY FORWARD LUIS MURIEL NOT DEFENDER RAFAEL SANTOS - Charlotte FC forward Kerwin Vargas, bottom, protects the ball against Orlando City forward Luis Muriel, top left, and defender Kyle Smith (24) during the second half of a best-of-three first-round soccer match for the MLS Cup, Sunday, Oct. 27, 2024, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Kevin Kolczynski)
CORRECTS TO ORLANDO CITY FORWARD LUIS MURIEL NOT DEFENDER RAFAEL SANTOS - Charlotte FC forward Kerwin Vargas, bottom, protects the ball against Orlando City forward Luis Muriel, top left, and defender Kyle Smith (24) during the second half of a best-of-three first-round soccer match for the MLS Cup, Sunday, Oct. 27, 2024, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Kevin Kolczynski)
Charlotte FC midfielder Ashley Westwood (8) brings the ball downfield during the second half of a best-of-three first-round soccer match against Orlando City for the MLS Cup, Sunday, Oct. 27, 2024, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Kevin Kolczynski)
Charlotte FC midfielder Ashley Westwood (8) brings the ball downfield during the second half of a best-of-three first-round soccer match against Orlando City for the MLS Cup, Sunday, Oct. 27, 2024, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Kevin Kolczynski)
ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — Facundo Torres scored in the first half, Martin Ojeda found the net in the second, and Pedro Gallese notched his fourth postseason clean sheet to lead Orlando City to a 2-0 victory over Charlotte FC on Sunday night in a best-of-three first-round match for the MLS Cup.
Orlando City, the No. 4 seed in the Eastern Conference, grabbed a 1-0 lead in the 32nd minute and carried it into halftime when the club’s all-time leading scorer Torres scored unassisted with a left-footed shot from the center of the box to the top left corner of the goal. It was his club-record 19th goal this season across all competitions.
Orlando City took a two-goal lead in the 76th minute when Martin Ojeda scored with assists from Iván Angulo and César Araújo. It was the first postseason goal for Ojeda in his first start and third appearance. Angulo’s helper was his first in five playoff appearances — all starts. Araújo’s assist was his second in five postseason starts.
Gallese finished with two saves for Orlando City. He has allowed eight goals in seven postseason starts — all with OC.
Kristijan Kahlina saved five shots for fifth-seeded Charlotte. Kahlina’s only postseason appearance came last season when he started in a 5-0 loss to the New York Red Bulls.
A club-record 14 players scored for OC, leading to a club-record 59 goals during the regular season.
Orlando City played Charlotte to a 2-2 draw on the road and a 2-0 victory at home during the regular season. Torres and Duncan McGuire had the OC goals in both matches.
The series resumes on Friday in Charlotte, which had never been past the wildcard round until this season. The club closed out the regular season with a 4-0-1 record in its last five matches with the draw coming against top-seed Inter Miami.