Focus comes back as Orlando City goals rain on Charlotte FC | OneFootball

It was a clash between Orlando City SC and a solid Charlotte FC.

Charlotte shot to third place in the MLS Eastern Conference. During the same period, Orlando fell to last place.

At the end of the last MLS season, Charlotte FC finished in fourth place while the Lions of Orlando shoved their way into the playoffs for a brief appearance.

But all that history could be forgotten once time passed in the latest meeting on the pitch of Orlando City and Charlotte. This time, the Lions got Charlotte.

All the goals that Orlando City players have been missing this MLS season found their way into Charlotte’s net for a 4-1 victory. The Lions enjoyed a brace by Martin Ojeda in the 49th and 61st minutes, the first assisted by Justin Ellis and Tiago.

It is the first start of Ellis’ career. It’s the second multi-goal game this season for Ojeda.

Mar 14, 2026; Orlando, Florida, USA; Orlando City forward Justin Ellis (22) handles the ball against CF Montreal midfielder Victor Loturi (22) during the first half at Inter&Co Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Watters-Imagn Images | Mike Watters-Imagn Images

Luis Otavio started the scoring in the 21st minute, the first of his career, assisted by Zakaria Taifa.

Ignacio Gomez entered the fourth goal in the 81st minute for the first score of his career. He was assisted by Ivan Angulo in his 150th appearance all-time across all competitions for the Lions. He joins Robin Jansson with 150-or-more games for Orlando.

Angulo, Taifa and Tiago now have two-or-more assists this season.

Midfielder Luis Otavio said overcoming the powerful Charlotte players came from their depth, strength, and determination.

Once they came together through effective drills, they were able to apply improvisation. Instincts can take over because the match is no longer theory. They’ve seen these plays before. They had thoroughly studied their opponent. They knew their openings and moved to exploit them.

The focus the team missed early this season – and at times in previous seasons – rained onto the pitch and drove Lions balls into the Charlotte nets. It’s a focus that is the foundation of all effective drills.

First comes the focus. Then comes more Orlando City SC wins.