Orlando City SC Rallies Twice Before Settling for 3-3 Draw Against Toronto FC

Lions Earn Road Point After Thrilling Six Goal Match

Orlando City SC rallied from two deficits and briefly took the lead late in the second half before settling for a 3-3 draw against Toronto FC on Wednesday night at BMO Field. Martín Ojeda made club history with a first half penalty kick, while Antoine Griezmann continued his impressive start in Major League Soccer with another goal and an assist.

The Lions showed resilience throughout the contest, answering Toronto’s goals and fighting back to take a late advantage. However, a rebound goal from Matheus Pereira ultimately denied Orlando City all three points.

The result keeps Orlando City in seventh place in the Eastern Conference standings with five regular season matches remaining as the club continues its push toward the Audi MLS Cup Playoffs.

Ojeda Makes Orlando City History With First Half Equalizer

Toronto FC opened the scoring in the 26th minute when Theo Corbeanu delivered a cross from the right wing into the center of the penalty area. Lewis Morgan broke free from his markers and headed the ball home to give the hosts a 1-0 advantage.

Orlando City responded just before halftime after being awarded a penalty kick for a handball inside the box. Filling in as captain for the injured Robin Jansson, Ojeda stepped up and calmly converted his attempt into the lower left corner to level the match. The goal was Ojeda’s 15th across all competitions this season and the 48th of his Orlando City career, making him the club’s all-time leading goalscorer.

Toronto regained the lead just four minutes into the second half after its pressing forced a turnover deep in Orlando City’s defensive third. Goalkeeper Maxime Crépeau came off his line to make the initial save, but the rebound fell to Corbeanu at the far post. The Canadian winger made no mistake, finishing into the open net to put Toronto ahead 2-1.

Griezmann Sparks Late Orlando City Comeback

The Lions found another equalizer in the 77th minute through Griezmann, who continued his stellar form since joining Orlando City this summer. Following a set piece delivered by Ojeda, Iago headed the ball across the goalmouth, allowing Griezmann to volley home from close range for his 10th MLS goal of the season in just 13 league appearances.

The French international extended his streak to nine consecutive MLS matches with a goal contribution, providing another example of the attacking quality he has brought to the Orlando City lineup. Griezmann played a pivotal role again six minutes later as the Lions completed their comeback and took their first lead of the night.

The forward slipped Iván Angulo into space on the right before making a decoy run into the penalty area, creating room for Daryl Dike to finish first-time into the side netting in the 83rd minute. The goal put Orlando City ahead 3-2 and appeared to position the visitors for a dramatic road victory. Griezmann’s assist brought his total to 17 goal contributions in 17 appearances across all competitions since joining the Lions in July.

Toronto Finds Late Equalizer to Split the Points

Despite Orlando City’s late surge, Toronto FC refused to go away and found a third goal to earn a share of the points. Crépeau initially parried Djordje Mihailovic’s long range effort, but the rebound fell directly to Pereira near the goal. Pereira reacted quickly and finished at the near post, leveling the match at 3-3 and bringing an end to Orlando City’s hopes of securing all three points.

The late equalizer capped an entertaining contest in which both teams repeatedly found answers in attack. Orlando City demonstrated its ability to recover from difficult situations, but the defensive breakdowns and second chance opportunities ultimately proved costly.

Orlando City Turns Attention to D.C. United

The draw leaves Orlando City seventh in the Eastern Conference standings heading into the final five matches of the regular season. With the playoff race approaching its decisive stage, every point will be important as the Lions look to secure their postseason position.

Orlando City will return home on Saturday, Oct. 17, to host D.C. United. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET, with the match available to watch on Apple TV. The Lions will look to build on their attacking momentum while tightening up defensively as they continue their pursuit of a playoff berth.