Orlando City are defeated by reigning MLS Cup champions NYCFC after going a goal up.
Facundo Torres gave the Lions the lead after the break, but the home side came back with goals from Alex Callens and Talles Magno.
NYCFC have clinched a top 4 finish and a Round One home game in the MLS Cup Playoffs, while Orlando are still yet to book their ticket to the postseason with their remaining games against fellow Playoff chasing sides Inter Miami and Columbus Crew.
Story of the match
After 12 minutes, the Pigeons thought that they had taken an early lead through homegrown full-back Tayvon Gray, however, the offside flag was up as Santiago Rodríguez interfered with play in an offside position. VAR checked the goal and did not overturn the on-field decision.
Both teams played some nice football in the first half, but there wasn't a lot of goalmouth action.
Orlando didn't waste any time after the restart as they scored the go-ahead goal just two minutes into the second period. A long throw was flicked on by Ercan Kara to Facundo Torres who finished past a frozen Sean Johnson.
Óscar Pareja's side could only hold onto their lead for 20 minutes as Talles Magno received the ball after Antonio Carlos mistimed his clearance, setting up an easy tap-in for Alex Callens - the Peruvian's third goal in as many games.
Orlando City were denied a penalty kick by referee Joe Dickerson in the 79th minute. Facundo Torres' shot was blocked by Maxime Chanot, which the players appealed for a handball, and seconds later there was another cheer for handball. Much to the frustration of the Orlando bench, VAR didn't check either incident.
Just two minutes after the handball appeals, NYCFC took the lead. Gabriel Pereira played a short pass to Talles Magno, who beat Gallese to the far corner. Poor defending again from Orlando, which Pareja admitted in his post-match presser.
Takeaways
Orlando City still have a lot of work to do, sitting in the Playoff places by the skin of their teeth. The Lions are level on points with the two teams below them, Inter Miami and Columbus Crew, who coincidentally are their final two opponents of the regular season. Orlando will surely have to win at least one of their last two to have a chance of clinching a Playoff berth.
NYCFC clinched a Round One home game and jumped over their neighbors New York Red Bulls into 3rd place. It looks like the Pigeons have finally found their feet after losing Ronny Deila and Taty Castellanos in the summer, winning all of their last three games in all competitions.
Man of the match - Talles Magno
The Brazilian has been questioned over his goalscoring ability over the last few weeks and has responded perfectly.
Magno, who placed third on this year's 22 Under 22, was directly involved in both of his team's goals this afternoon, taking his season tally to 7 goals and 9 assists.
The 21-year-old finished the game with 90% pass completion and won the most duels (8) in the match.
