Orlando City SC overcomes deficits by New England in U.S. Open Cup | OneFootball

Now that’s momentum! Orlando City SC has fought their way into the U.S. Open Cup quarterfinals.

Just a couple of seasons ago, some Orlando City SC supporters had joined a boycott of the Leagues Cup because MLS had officially reduced support for the historic tournament. Now, for the second consecutive season, the Lions are in it, and so are the supporters.

But before the quarterfinals, they had to take on a motivated New England Revolution squad.

Orlando had to face three deficits. Rev Malcom Fry supplied the first one in the 21st minute on an assist from Eric Klein. Ten minutes later, U22 initiative defender Iago finished a cross from Tiago to equalize. That is Iago’s first goal for the Lions across all competitions since joining the club from Brazil’s CR Flamengo.

It was Tiago’s fourth assist of the year.

Apr 12, 2026; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Orlando City SC defender Iago Teodoro da Silva Nogueira (57) kicks the ball upfield during the second half against the Columbus Crew at ScottsMiracle-Gro Field. Mandatory Credit: Joseph Maiorana-Imagn Images | Joseph Maiorana-Imagn Images

New England went ahead once more just six minutes later when Andrew Farrell scored with an assist from Gabe Dahlin. But in the 37th minute, defender Griffin Dorsey, joining Orlando on an offseason trade with Houston Dynamo FC, scored his first goal for the team.

The Dorsey goal equalized the match again, this time 2-2. It came with the second assist across all competitions from Justin Ellis. It was good for Orlando that Ellis wasn’t done.

Then, in the 58th minute, Marcos Zambrano-Delgado presented another deficit to the Lions with an assist by Eric Klein. The opportunity went again to Ellis 12 minutes later.

That was when the homegrown player scored his second career goal for the Lions across all competitions, equalizing once again. This was his third goal contribution in his last three games.

What this competition teaches Orlando City players is to face adversity and focus on the scoring opportunities. But that isn’t all. In this hard-fought contest took the chances and banked them. That was why they didn’t settle for a draw as second-half stoppage time started.

Two minutes into the stoppage period, Tyrese Spicer saw a chance and instantly spotted homegrown defender Zakaria Taifi and served the ball to him. He scored his first career goal for Orlando that proved the game-winner.

They face Atlanta United in the quarterfinal round. The upcoming opponent is already talking about it. No team scouts Orlando so thoroughly as Atlanta.

Orlando City SC has worked hard to get to this quarterfinal. Their opponents worked them hard. That means the Lions earned an advantage in this next match.