By Official Florida FC
Taylor Twellman may have said it best: Since Orlando City entered MLS in 2015, the club has done everything right except win a trophy.
That is no longer the case.
The Lions huffed, puffed and eventually blew down the resistance Sacramento Republic presented during the 2022 U.S. Open Cup final. Few remember how a final was played. The result is what matters.
Orlando City got that.
The Lions defeated Sacramento 3-0 to win their first trophy in the club’s MLS history.
Facundo Torres scored a brace. The 22-year-old curled a first-touch effort into the corner to open the scoring in the 75th minute. Torres finished from the penalty spot in the 80th to effectively put the game away.
Central Florida native Benji Michel scored a goal for Central Florida’s professional club in a cup final played in Central Florida. Michel’s stoppage time concluded the scoring.
Wednesday night showcased how far Orlando City has come under head coach Oscar Pareja and under the Wilf family. Torres’ $7.5 million transfer fee broke the club record. Michel was a Homegrown player who has blossomed as a super sub.
Orlando City 2022
U.S. Open Cup run
| Round | Team | Score |
|---|---|---|
| Third Round | Tampa Bay Rowdies | 2-1 |
| Fourth Round | Philadelphia Union | 2-1 |
| Round of 16 | Inter Miami | 1-1 (4-2 PKs) |
| Quarterfinals | Nashville SC | 1-1 (6-5 PKs) |
| Semifinal | New York Red Bulls | 5-1 |
| Final | Sacramento Republic | 3-0 |
Afterward, Torres told ESPN’s Christina Alexander that he is really happy to be a part of Orlando’s history, despite just arriving at the club. He added the Lions are looking to push forward as they try to qualify for the MLS Cup Playoffs.
Orlando City is just the second Florida club to win the U.S. Open Cup. The St. Petersburg Kickers defeated New York Greek American 2-1 in extra time in 1989.
It may not take another three decades for a Florida club to win a major trophy.
