Freeman and Orlando City weren't denied at D.C. United | OneFootball

It was a draw on the road with D.C. United. But Orlando City SC players and supporters will take it as they move forward.

Orlando City SC drew 1-1 at D.C. United. Although not a three-point win, the players got encouragement that they’re moving in the right direction. Defender Alex Freeman gave a performance that led to hope late in the 2025 season.

Freeman is the Lion who equalized the match in the second half. United midfielder Jackson Hopkins opened up the scoring in the second half. The homegrown player got his goal in the 33rd minute, his third of the season, assisted by Conner Antley and Joao Peglow.

Throughout the first half, Orlando was not only working against United’s attack. Head Coach Oscar Pareja said they had to fight the frustration that they weren’t winning the match. But in their previous MLS game, they took a 5-1 beating from Nashville SC, where they couldn’t take control.

Sep 13, 2025; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; D.C. United midfielder Jackson Hopkins (25) takes a shot on goal past Orlando City forward Ivan Angulo (77) during the first half at Audi Field. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Kucin Jr.-Imagn Images | Daniel Kucin Jr.-Imagn Images

So they took heart that in this match, they dictated the pace of the game, as Pareja observed. The tactics were there, although they couldn’t bank the chances they created until the second half.

Yet they look at the standings and see that Philadelphia, Cincinnati, and Charlotte have claimed spots in the MLS playoffs. Orlando City players want to claim a spot, also.

Alex Freeman recognized that frustration. But like his teammates, he dedicated himself not to fall to that frustration, but instead to make something of their chances.

Until the second half, Freeman noted that they hadn’t been lethal in their chances. The players kicked 11 shots on target. Then Freeman came to the 53rd minute.

That’s when he scored his fifth goal of the season, placing him fifth on the team. It was the equalizer that stood until the end of the match, and meant the Lions took away one point.

Freeman has been on the soccer scouts’ radar during this breakout season. But for now, he’s needed the run of Orlando City SC into the MLS postseason. As shown in this match, he and his teammates are ready to grow the needed momentum to go deep.