Dominant Second Half Propels Orlando City Past Atlas FC 3–1 in Fiery Leagues Cup Clash

By Alonso Contreras

Orlando, FL — In a match packed with drama, goals, and disciplinary fireworks, Orlando City SC defeated Atlas FC 3–1 at home. A clinical finish by Marco Pašalić late in stoppage time sealed the deal after goals from Iván Angulo and Martín Ojeda had already put the hosts in control.

First Half: Orlando Strikes First

Orlando City struck early through Iván Angulo in the 9th minute. The winger cut inside from the left and curled a precise right-footed shot into the bottom right corner, beating Antonio Sánchez to make it 1–0. Moments later, defender Rodrigo Schlegel rattled the crossbar, nearly doubling the lead.

Despite some promising attempts from Gustavo Del Prete and Jorge San Martín, Atlas couldn’t find the back of the net in the first half. Orlando controlled possession and tempo, heading into the break with a deserved 1–0 lead.

Second Half: Goals, Cards, and a Late Finish

Atlas found a lifeline just five minutes after the restart. Matías Cóccaro rose highest to meet a cross and power home a header in the 50th minute to level the match at 1–1.

But Orlando answered quickly. In the 57th minute, Martín Ojeda smashed in a left-footed effort from close range following a low cross from Alex Freeman, reclaiming the lead at 2–1.

The final moments saw emotions boil over. A reckless challenge from Cóccaro in the 90+7’ earned him a straight red card, reducing Atlas to ten men. Orlando took advantage of the extra space, and in the 90+12’, Marco Pašalić scored the dagger—a well-placed left-footed strike into the bottom corner after a blocked flurry of chances in the box.

Disciplinary Drama

• Red Card: Matías Cóccaro (Atlas, 90+7’) – violent conduct.

• Yellow Cards: Robin Jansson and Martín Ojeda (Orlando), among others.

• Orlando maintained composure while Atlas' frustrations mounted in the closing stages.

Key Performers

• Martín Ojeda (ORL): 1 goal, 1 assist, consistent attacking threat.

• Marco Pašalić (ORL): Energetic off the bench, capped his night with a game-sealing goal.

• Antonio Sánchez (ATX): Despite conceding three, made multiple saves to keep Atlas in the game.

Final Score:

Orlando City 3 – 1 Atlas FCGoals:

• ORL – Iván Angulo (9’), Martín Ojeda (57’), Marco Pašalić (90+12’)

• ATX – Matías Cóccaro (50’)

Up Next:

Orlando moves forward in the Leagues Cup with momentum and confidence, while Atlas exits the competition after a hard-fought but ultimately chaotic match.