Orlando City SC - DC United (22-04-2023)

 

I arrive at the stadium around 6.15 PM, after a drive of about 8 hours, and park for $20 at a 5 minute walk from the stadium. When I arrive at the entrance, I join a cue to get into the stadium because… it isn’t open yet! They open exactly one hour before the announced kick-off time of 7.30 PM. However, because the US seems to be the only country to be unable to start games at the announced time, the game actually starts about 10 minutes later.

 

I had bought my ticket for Orlando City SC - DC United in the Major League Soccer (MLS) online through Seat Geek, several weeks earlier, from another supporter – probably a season ticket holder who rarely goes to a game — as always, everything is electronic. Although the ticket itself was pretty affordable ($27), the administrative “Fees” ($15) were extortionist, as usual.

 

Exploria Stadium is a relatively new (2019) soccer-specific stadium with a capacity of 25,500, shared by Orlando City SC (MLS) and Orlando Pride (NWSL). Like so many other soccer-specific stadium of (aspiring) MLS stadiums, it has a nice design, the seats are close to the pitch, and the acoustics are great. This Saturday night is quite warm (29 C) and humid but within the open stadium it is pleasant.

 

As I am starved, I first get some food. In the age-old tradition of US sports stadiums, the food is expensive and mediocre. The small (and cold) Chicago Dog is $9.50, the Fries $5, but pretty good, and the water another $5.

 

The audience is an interesting mix of Rednecks and Hispanics with only a minority of the usual upper middle class whites that dominate most MLS stadiums. I guesstimate that some 50% is Hispanic, with very few African Americans, and a very good gender mix (probably some 33% women/girls). The official attendance was 19,514 but no way there are even 15,000 people in the stadium. There are some 25 away supporters.

 

Before the game there is a lot of hype music but very little atmosphere. The stadium is at time at best half full. The free WiFi is great though. Also, the acoustics are crazy good. Everything sounds really loud.

 

 

The game starts pretty decent. Orlando has most of the ball but DC has some good counter attacks. In the 12^th minute the guests commit a dumb foul and give the hosts a free kick at the side of the pitch, roughly 16 meter out. But, after a pinball moment in the box, it only leads to a (harmless) corner kick. Three minutes later, DC United has an excellent counter attack over just a few players and the striker finishes perfectly in a one-on-one with the goalie. The guests lead 0-1.

 

In the 23^rd minute an excellent defensive tackle wins Orlando the ball at the middle of the pitch and two passes later the striker, squeezed between a defender and the goalie, finishes excellently: 1-1. Straight after the hosts have another big chance but the final ball is overshot.

 

In the 40^th minute, a long Orlando attack brings a long cross that is deflected from 2 meters by a defender but the goalkeeper tips it over. Great safe! Three minutes into extra time, a deflected Orlando cross is headed in from just 5 meters but straight at the goalie. Half time score: 1-1.

 

 

The second half starts a bit haltingly. After an injury and substitution have paused the game for several minutes, DC United takes a corner that is easily headed in at the first post: 1-2. The stadium is in complete shock and goes silent for minutes.

 

In the 62^nd minute, a cross is headed into the box, a DC striker controls is with his chest and volleys it in a turn from 5 meters: 1-3. An excellent goal! Three minutes later, Orlando has a beautiful falling header after a corner which is saved from close range.

 

In the 70^th minute a hard Orlando cross is missed inches from the goal. Some seven minutes later a DC player is literally run off the ball but Orlando again cannot score from the counter attack. It is clear that this game is over and, indeed, it ends 1-3.

 

Although Orlando City SC lost, and the beautiful Exploria stadium was at best two-thirds full, I had an excellent evening. The acoustics are amazing and created an excellent atmosphere despite the fans not being remarkably loud. After the (American) football experience in the Mercedes Benz Stadium, it was nice to have a real soccer experience again in the MLS.