2018 Orlando City SC season

Orlando City SC
2018 season
CEOAlex Leitão
ManagerJason Kreis
(until June 15)
Bobby Murphy
(interim, June 15 – July 1)
James O'Connor
(from July 2)
StadiumOrlando City Stadium
MLS:Conference: 11th
Overall: 22nd
MLS Cup PlayoffsDid not qualify
U.S. Open CupQuarter-finals
Top goalscorerLeague: Dom Dwyer (13)
All: Dom Dwyer (13)
Highest home attendanceMLS: 25,527
(Twice)
Lowest home attendanceMLS: 22,337
(April 8 vs. Portland Timbers)
Average home league attendance23,979
Biggest winPHI 0–2 ORL (April 13)
Biggest defeatATL 4–0 ORL (June 30)
CHI 4–0 ORL (Sept 16)
← 2017
2019 →

The 2018 Orlando City SC season was the club's eighth season of existence in Orlando and fourth season in Major League Soccer, the top-flight league in the United States soccer league system. Alongside Major League Soccer, the club also competed in the U.S. Open Cup. The team played its home games at Orlando City Stadium.

Season review[edit]

Pre-season[edit]

We want guys who want to compete, who want to win and who feel the pain when we don't win. Every single player we've brought (during the offseason) has sat down with me, looked me in the eye and told me they want to win and they want to be here for the right reasons.

—HC Jason Kreis, on the roster revamp[1]

On December 17, 2017, Kaká announced his retirement, after turning down offers from former clubs São Paulo FC and A.C. Milan.[2] With the options of several players declined at the end of the previous season,[3][4] Orlando City set its sights on the off-season to rebuild its roster.[1] The club began the winter transfer window by acquiring midfielder Sacha Kljestan from the New York Red Bulls in exchange for attacker Carlos Rivas and defender Tommy Redding.[5] During this time, it was announced that Orlando City B had elected to not participate in the 2018 USL season,[6] sparking alarm in regards to the club's youth development and depth.[7] Just a few days later, Paraguayan midfielder Josué Colmán signed with the club as a Young Designated Player.[8]

In early January, Orlando City Stadium played host to two games in the 2018 edition of the Florida Cup.[9] This was followed by the club also hosting the 2018 MLS Combine from January 11 to 17,[10] which resulted in forward Chris Mueller being picked by Orlando City in the MLS SuperDraft.[11]

By mid-January, attention shifted to forward Cyle Larin after images of him undergoing a medical with Beşiktaş J.K. were posted on the Turkish club's Twitter account.[12] While Orlando City was aware of the social media posting, no transfer agreement had been made at that time and the club was preparing to take legal action as Larin was still "under contract with Orlando City through 2019."[13] When training camp officially commenced on January 22, Larin was absent and appeared to be training with Beşiktaş in a video released the following day.[14] A week later, Orlando City announced that they had come to terms with Beşiktaş for the transfer of Larin.[15]

On January 29, it was announced that Orlando City had acquired midfielder Justin Meram from Columbus Crew SC in exchange for $1.05 million in allocation money plus an international roster spot.[16] Further transfers were made throughout January and February, with a total of 13 new players making the move to Orlando.[17] On February 28, center back Jonathan Spector was named the new captain of Orlando City following Kaká's departure.[18]

March[edit]

Orlando City began their fourth Major League Soccer campaign on March 3 at home against D.C. United. Despite Joe Bendik making a penalty save early on, D.C. United opened the scoring in the 32nd minute with a Yamil Asad free kick. In the 41st minute, PC was issued a red card and Orlando City played the remainder of the game with 10 men. The Lions maintained pressure throughout the second half and eventually equalized in stoppage time following a forward run by Jonathan Spector that set Stefano Pinho up for his debut goal, securing a point with a 1–1 draw.[19] Orlando remained at home for its second match, falling 2–1 to Minnesota United FC following a brace by Ethan Finlay.[20] The club then hit the road for its first away match of the season against New York City FC. This marked the first Orlando City appearances for Lamine Sané and Josué Colmán, who both came on as second half subs, as well as Sacha Kljestan. Despite holding a 0–0 scoreline at half, the Lions ended up falling 2–0 from goals by Ismael Tajouri and Maxi Moralez.[21] Following a two-week hiatus, Orlando City returned home to host the New York Red Bulls. After conceding in the seventh minute, City soon struck back with a tap-in goal by Will Johnson. The Red Bulls regained the lead shortly after, but the Lions equalized once again via a Dom Dwyer header to end the half at 2–2. Dwyer opened the second half with a goal that came from a throw-in assist by Mohamed El Monir. The visitors were able to level the scoreline in the 82nd minute, but a shot from Scott Sutter that deflected off of Colmán made its way into the back of the net and secured City all three points in the club's first victory of the 2018 Major League Soccer season.[22]

April[edit]

Orlando SC takes on the visiting San Jose Earthquakes

On April 8, the Lions made team history by securing their first win from a 2-goal deficit, with Dwyer scoring the game-winning goal in the 87th minute for a dramatic 3–2 comeback victory against the Portland Timbers.[23] The result also marked the first back-to-back wins for the club since April 29, 2017. With all three goals scored in the final ten minutes, they lead the league with 25 in the last three seasons,[24] reaffirming the nickname "Cardiac Cats." Five days later, Joe Bendik picked up his first clean sheet of the season to go along with four saves, while Dwyer scored his 99th goal in all career caps, for the Lions' first away win of the season: a 2–0 shutout of the Philadelphia Union.[25] The winning streak stretched to four in a 3–2 home victory against the San Jose Earthquakes, courtesy of goals from Mueller, Kljestan, and Dwyer. Both Mueller and Dwyer's goals were milestones: Mueller's strike came 63 seconds into the match, making it the fastest MLS goal in the club's history, and Dwyer's goal marked his 100th career goal in all competitions.[26] Then, in yet another come-from-behind thriller and their fifth straight win to close out the month, Orlando City defeated the Colorado Rapids with a 2–1 scoreline at the high altitude of DSG Park.[27]

May[edit]

The first major test of the season comes early, as four of the next five matches for Orlando City come against the top four 2017 Eastern Conference teams: Atlanta United FC, Toronto FC, the Chicago Fire, and New York City FC.[28][29] A new club record was reached as the "Cardiac Cats" opened the month of May with their sixth straight victory, and fourth when conceding the first goal, in a 3–1 result against Real Salt Lake. Lamine Sané scored his first goal in purple, while Chris Schuler made his debut in the squad's starting 11, against his former team.[30] On May 13, Justin Meram opened his account with a second-half goal against the Five Stripes. However, the Lions' comeback fell short in a 2–1 loss, their second of the season at home.[31] The game was marred by fans throwing trash onto the field in frustration. Orlando City was later criticized by local authorities and news organizations for routinely condemning behavior without taking any significant action to decrease such incidents.[32][33] The rough patch continued with another 2–1 loss at Toronto FC.[34] A 2–1 defeat at home to the Chicago Fire extended the losing streak to three games to close out the month, as the Lions looked ahead to a 4-game, 12-day road trip with stops in New York, Miami, Vancouver, and Montreal.[35]

June[edit]

The losing streak continued into the month of June, as Orlando City fell 3–0 to New York City FC. With Dom Dwyer out due to injury, the Lions have found it difficult to score in their last four matches.[36] The club was able to turn things around in their first match of the 2018 U.S. Open Cup when they defeated NPSL side Miami United FC 3–0 with goals from PC, Stefano Pinho, and Dillon Powers.[37] However, the club's MLS losing streak stretched to five games after the Lions were reduced to 10 men and were outscored 5–2 in Vancouver.[38] The 12-day road trip came to an end in Montreal, where Orlando City suffered its third consecutive three-goal margin defeat.[39] Two days later, the club announced that it had parted ways with head coach Jason Kreis and that assistant coach Bobby Murphy would assume the role of interim coach.[40] Under Bobby's leadership, and changing to a three-back formation that showed much-improved stability in the defense, the Lions were able to eke out a 1–1 win on PKs (4–2), against D.C. United in the Round of 16 in the U.S. Open Cup on June 20.[41] Orlando played their first MLS match following Kreis' departure on June 23, 2018, when they faced Montreal for the second consecutive game. Murphy continued with the three-back formation he had used in the Open Cup four days earlier but Orlando fell to a 2–0 defeat, only registering one shot on target on the way to their seventh consecutive league defeat, a performance Bobby and several of the players apologized for post-game.[42]

On June 29, the club announced that Louisville City FC manager and former Orlando City player-coach James O'Connor would take over as the Lion's new head coach.[43] The day after, Murphy took control of his final game as interim manager prior to O'Connor filling the position permanently. The result was a 4–0 defeat away to Atlanta United FC.[44]

July[edit]

James O'Connor's first game in charge was away at Los Angeles FC, marking the first time Orlando had ever played the new expansion side. The original kick off time was moved to 11:00 p.m. ET to avoid triple-digit temperatures. The team returned to the 4–2–3–1 formation that had been implemented earlier in the season under Jason Kreis but lost 4–1, breaking their three-game scoreless streak but extending the losing streak to nine.[45] On July 14, O'Connor took charge of his first home game with the visit of Toronto FC. Orlando won 2–1 to end their winless streak. It was the first MLS match of the season to not feature Joe Bendik after Earl Edwards Jr. was given the start in goal.[46] Orlando were knocked out of the U.S. Open Cup at the quarterfinals stage on July 18, losing 1–0 away to Philadelphia Union.[47] On July 22, Orlando traveled to Columbus Crew SC where they led for most of the match. However, a penalty call and a controversial lack of VAR led to a game-tying 88th-minute penalty. Columbus would go on to win the game 3–2 in stoppage time.[48] In response, Professional Referee Organization released a statement acknowledging the error and reaffirming that the organization holds all officials "accountable and takes appropriate action when necessary."[49] Orlando returned home to face NYCFC for the third and final time of the year on July 26, falling to a 2–0 defeat and hitting the woodwork four times in the process.[50] Then, despite taking the lead three times, Orlando lost 4–3 away to LA Galaxy on July 29, a game in which Cristian Higuita broke Cyle Larin's club record 89 appearances. Galaxy's Zlatan Ibrahimović notably scored his first MLS hattrick in the game.[51]

August[edit]

On August 3, Orlando City traded Justin Meram back to Columbus Crew SC for $750,000 in Targeted Allocation Money and a 2019 international roster slot.[52] The following day, the Lions returned home to face New England Revolution. After trailing by two goals early on, City equalized in the 71st minute. While New England gained the lead five minutes later, the Lions equalized again in stoppage time – resulting in a 3–3 draw.[53] The team ended the month with two losses, both by a one-goal margin, to DC United and Atlanta United FC. The DC game marked the first time Orlando played at the newly opened Audi Field.

September[edit]

On September 1, Orlando hosted Philadelphia Union and held them to a 2–2 draw thanks to a Scott Sutter goal in stoppage time. It was the first time Orlando had avoided defeat against the same opponent twice in MLS this season. The following weekend the team lost 1–0 away to Sporting Kansas City as Dom Dwyer returned to face his former team for the first time. The team finished the month winless, losing on two away trips to Sporting Kansas City and Chicago Fire before earning a 0–0 draw at home to Houston Dynamo, with Adam Grinwis securing only the team's second league clean sheet of the season on his debut.

October[edit]

Prior to the team's game against FC Dallas on October 6, Orlando were officially eliminated from playoff contention following Montreal's win over Columbus Crew earlier that day. They went on to lose 2–0. Orlando remained on the road for the next match against New England Revolution which also ended 2–0 and extending the team's scoreless run to five games. On October 17 the team set a new MLS single season record for number of goals conceded when Víctor Rodríguez opened the scoring for Seattle Sounders FC, the 71st goal Orlando had given up that year. This surpassed the previous total of 70 set by Minnesota United FC in their inaugural season in 2017. Seattle went on to win 2–1. Orlando's final home game of the season, played on October 21, saw them win only their second game under the stewardship of James O'Connor when Kljestan scored penalty in stoppage time to beat Columbus Crew 2–1.

Decision Day[edit]

On October 28, the final day of the regular season, Orlando traveled to a New York Red Bulls side who were one of two teams with the potential to win the Supporters' Shield. They started the day one point behind Atlanta United FC but their 1–0 win over Orlando combined with Atlanta's 4–1 defeat against Toronto FC meant they finished top of the standings and lifted the Shield for the third time. Orlando finished the season bottom of the Eastern Conference and, because of Colorado Rapids' decision day win, dropped to 22nd in the Supporters' Shield.

November[edit]

On November 26, 2018, Orlando City parted ways with general manager Niki Budalić who had been at the club since January 2016 and held the role of GM for two years.[54] The day after, the club announced it had decided not to exercise the contract options of eight players: Joe Bendik, Richie Laryea, Tony Rocha, Chris Schuler, Jonathan Spector, Scott Sutter, Donny Toia and Jose Villarreal. Earl Edwards, Jr. would also be released as a result of his expired contract.

Roster[edit]

As of August 3, 2018[55]
No. Nationality Name Position(s) Date of birth (age) Previous club Notes
Goalkeepers
1 United States Joe Bendik GK (1989-04-25)April 25, 1989 (aged 28) Canada Toronto FC –
31 United States Mason Stajduhar GK (1997-12-02)December 2, 1997 (aged 20) United States Orlando City U-23 HGP
36 United States Earl Edwards, Jr. GK (1992-01-24)January 24, 1992 (aged 26) United States UCLA Bruins –
99 United States Adam Grinwis GK (1992-04-21)April 21, 1992 (aged 25) United States Saint Louis FC –
Defenders
2 United States Jonathan Spector (C) CB (1986-03-01)March 1, 1986 (aged 32) England Birmingham City –
3 Egypt Amro Tarek CB (1992-05-17)May 17, 1992 (aged 25) Egypt Wadi Degla Loan in
12 United States Shane O'Neill CB (1993-09-02)September 2, 1993 (aged 24) Netherlands Excelsior HGP
13 Libya Mohamed El Monir LB (1992-04-08)April 8, 1992 (aged 25) Serbia Partizan Belgrade INT
21 Switzerland Scott Sutter RB (1986-05-13)May 13, 1986 (aged 31) Switzerland Young Boys –
22 Senegal Lamine Sané CB (1987-03-22)March 22, 1987 (aged 30) Germany Werder Bremen INT
25 United States Donny Toia LB (1992-05-28)May 28, 1992 (aged 25) Canada Montreal Impact –
27 United States R. J. Allen RB (1990-04-17)April 17, 1990 (aged 27) United States New York City FC –
28 United States Chris Schuler CB (1987-09-06)September 6, 1987 (aged 30) United States Real Salt Lake –
94 Brazil PC LB (1994-03-10)March 10, 1994 (aged 23) United States Orlando City B –
Midfielders
4 Canada Will Johnson CM (1987-01-21)January 21, 1987 (aged 31) Canada Toronto FC –
5 United States Dillon Powers DM (1991-02-14)February 14, 1991 (aged 27) United States Colorado Rapids –
6 Canada Richie Laryea AM (1995-01-07)January 7, 1995 (aged 23) United States Orlando City B GA
7 Colombia Cristian Higuita CM (1994-01-14)January 14, 1994 (aged 24) Colombia Deportivo Cali –
8 United States Tony Rocha CM (1993-08-21)August 21, 1993 (aged 24) United States Orlando City B –
10 Paraguay Josué Colmán AM (1998-07-25)July 25, 1998 (aged 19) Paraguay Cerro Porteño INT, DP
15 United States Cam Lindley DM (1997-07-18)July 18, 1997 (aged 20) United States North Carolina Tar Heels HGP
16 United States Sacha Kljestan AM (1985-09-09)September 9, 1985 (aged 32) United States New York Red Bulls DP
20 Spain Uri Rosell DM (1992-07-07)July 7, 1992 (aged 25) Portugal Sporting CP –
26 Peru Carlos Ascues DM (1992-06-19)June 19, 1992 (aged 25) Peru Alianza Lima Loan in
Forwards
11 United States Pierre Da Silva LW (1998-07-28)July 28, 1998 (aged 19) United States Orlando City B –
14 England Dom Dwyer CF (1990-07-30)July 30, 1990 (aged 27) United States Sporting KC DP
17 United States Chris Mueller RW (1996-08-28)August 28, 1996 (aged 21) United States Wisconsin Badgers –
19 Peru Yoshimar Yotún LW (1990-04-07)April 7, 1990 (aged 27) Sweden Malmö FF INT
29 Brazil Stefano Pinho CF (1991-01-12)January 12, 1991 (aged 27) United States Miami FC –
33 United States Jose Villarreal CF (1993-09-10)September 10, 1993 (aged 24) United States LA Galaxy HGP

Staff[edit]

Executive
Majority owner and chairman Brazil Flávio Augusto da Silva
Minor owner/life president England Phil Rawlins
Owner England John Bonner
Chief executive officer Brazil Alex Leitão
General manager Canada Niki Budalic
Coaching staff
Head coach Republic of Ireland James O'Connor
Assistant coach United States Daniel Byrd
Assistant coach England Sean McAuley
Assistant coach/academy coordinator United States Bobby Murphy
Goalkeeping coach Lesotho Thabane Sutu

Competitions[edit]

Friendlies[edit]

The pre-season schedule was announced on January 16, 2018, outlining five closed-door pre-season friendlies over the course of February.[56] Training camp began on Monday, January 22, for the first of three training sessions before the club traveled to Jacksonville for a 10-day pre-season training camp at Davis Park.[57] The club then relocated back to its training facility at Sylvan Lake Park.[58] A sixth pre-season friendly was played on February 25 against Nashville SC of the United Soccer League.[59]

February 3 Jacksonville Dolphins 1–4 Orlando City Jacksonville, Florida
12:00 pm EST Escobado Yotún (pen.)
Johnson
Kljestan 		Stadium: Southern Oak Stadium
Attendance: Closed-door scrimmage
February 10 Orlando City 4–1 Minnesota United FC Sanford, Florida
10:00 am EST Johnson
Mueller
Kljestan 		Finlay Stadium: Sylvan Lake Park
Attendance: Closed-door scrimmage
February 14 Philadelphia Union 1–3 Orlando City Sanford, Florida
10:00 am EST Burke Report Yotún (pen.)
Allen
Mueller 		Stadium: Sylvan Lake Park
Attendance: Closed-door scrimmage
February 17 Orlando City 5–2 Real Salt Lake Sanford, Florida
12:00 pm EST Kljestan
Mueller
(o.g.)

Pinho 		Plata
Silva 		Stadium: Sylvan Lake Park
Attendance: Closed-door scrimmage
February 24 Orlando City 2–3 Chicago Fire Orlando, Florida
11:30 am EST Yotún (pen.)
Yotún Red card
Mueller 		Report
Nikolić
Stadium: Orlando City Stadium
Attendance: Closed-door scrimmage
February 25 Orlando City – Nashville SC Orlando, Florida
Stadium: Orlando City Stadium
Attendance: Closed-door scrimmage
Note: Closed to the media, no official scoreline released

Major League Soccer[edit]

Further information: 2018 Major League Soccer season
All times in regular season on Eastern Daylight Time (UTC−04:00) except where otherwise noted.

The opening home match was announced on December 19, 2017,[60] while the remaining MLS schedule was released on January 4, 2018.[61] Outside of the club, there were several changes made throughout the league. The most significant change came via the addition of Los Angeles FC as the 23rd franchise in MLS and 12th member of the Western Conference.[62] Orlando City SC played LAFC for the first time on July 7, 2018.[63]

Results summary[edit]

Overall Home Away
Pld W D L GF GA GD Pts W D L GF GA GD W D L GF GA GD
34 8 4 22 43 74  −31 28 6 4 7 28 30  −2 2 0 15 15 44  −29

Source: Match reports

Round12345678910111213141516171819202122232425262728293031323334
GroundHHAHHAHAHHAHAAAHAAHAHAHAHHAAHAAHHA
ResultDLLWWWWWWLLLLLLLLLWLLLDLLDLLDLLLWL
Source: Match reports
A = Away; H = Home; W = Win; D = Draw; L = Loss

Results[edit]

March 3 1 Orlando City 1–1 D.C. United Orlando, Florida
7:30 pm Bendik soccer ball with red X PS/20'
Lindley Yellow card 31'
PC Red card41'
Yotún Yellow card 81'
Pinho 90+3'		 Report Asad 32'
Birnbaum Yellow card 45+1'
Mattocks Yellow card 45+6'
DeLeon Yellow card 47'		 Stadium: Orlando City Stadium
Attendance: 25,527
Referee: Fotis Bazakos
March 10 2 Orlando City 1–2 Minnesota United FC Orlando, Florida
7:30 pm Yotún 42' (PK)
Laryea Yellow card 56'		 Report Finlay 12', 79'
Schüller Yellow card 88'
Toye Yellow card 90+4'		 Stadium: Orlando City Stadium
Attendance: 24,038
Referee: Sorin Stoica
Note: Former Head Coach Adrian Heath returns to Orlando
March 17 3 New York City FC 2–0 Orlando City The Bronx, New York
3:30 p.m. Wallace Yellow card 28'
Ring Yellow card 54'
Tajouri 62'
Moralez 74'
McNamara Yellow card 83'		 Report Higuita Yellow card 27'
Laryea Yellow card 90'		 Stadium: Yankee Stadium
Attendance: 18,584
Referee: Jose Carlos Rivero
Note: Transfer MF Sascha Kljestan is eligible for team sheet; 2-game suspension from 2017 MLS Playoffs ends
March 31 4 Orlando City 4–3 New York Red Bulls Orlando, Florida
3:30 p.m. Johnson 15'
Dwyer 26', 48'
Sane Yellow card 54'
Colman 86'
Yotun Yellow card 90+1'		 Report Volot 7'
Etienne 24'
Collin Yellow card 38'
Kaku Yellow card 54'
Long 82'		 Stadium: Orlando City Stadium
Attendance: 23,913
Referee: Jair Marrufo
Note: Sacha Kljestan, Carlos Rivas and Tommy Redding face their former teams for the first time following a trade involving all three in January
April 8 5 Orlando City 3–2 Portland Timbers Orlando, Florida
4:00 p.m. El Monir Yellow card 28'
Mueller 80'
Kljestan 82' (PK)
Dwyer 87', Yellow card 90+3'		 Report Blanco Yellow card 8'
Valeri 20' (PK)
Tuiloma 59'
Gleeson Yellow card 77'		 Stadium: Orlando City Stadium
Attendance: 23,601
Referee: Baldomero Toledo
April 13 6 Philadelphia Union 0–2 Orlando City Chester, Pennsylvania
8:00 p.m. EDT Real Yellow card 67'
Rosenberry Yellow card 81'		 Report Dwyer 38', Yellow card 74'
Mueller 45'
Bendik Yellow card 63'
El Monir Yellow card 79'		 Stadium: Talen Energy Stadium
Attendance: 16,032
Referee: Chris Penso
April 21 7 Orlando City 3–2 San Jose Earthquakes Orlando, Florida
7:30 p.m. Mueller 2'
Kljestan 35'
Yotún Yellow card 65'
Dwyer 69'		 Report Jungwirth 78', 90'
Quintana Yellow card 73'		 Stadium: Orlando City Stadium
Attendance: 25,527
Referee: Ismail Elfath
Note: Adidas Parley for the Oceans campaign; all 23 MLS teams wearing plastic recycled-material kits; Dom Dwyer's 100th career goal
April 29 8 Colorado Rapids 1–2 Orlando City Commerce City, Colorado
4:00 p.m. Badji 26'
Boateng Yellow card 60'
Wynne Yellow card 67'
Castillo Yellow card 68'
Martinez Yellow card 72'		 Report Higuita 52'
Yotún 77' (PK)
Tarek Yellow card 87'		 Stadium: Dick's Sporting Goods Park
Attendance: 15,702
Referee: Jose Carlos Rivero
May 6 9 Orlando City 3–1 Real Salt Lake Orlando, Florida
5:00 p.m. Bendik Yellow card 51'
El Monir Yellow card 59'
Dwyer 60'
Sané 63'
Higuita Yellow card 74'
Yotún 78'		 Report Baird 12' Stadium: Orlando City Stadium
Attendance: 23,258
Referee: Robert Sibiga
May 13 10 Orlando City 1–2 Atlanta United FC Orlando, Florida
6:00 p.m. Meram 57'
Higuita Yellow card 20'
Bendik Yellow card 32'
Yotún Yellow card 82'
Rosell Yellow card 88'
Johnson Yellow card 90+4'		 Report Martinez 10' (PK)
Barco 31'
Villalba Yellow card 84'		 Stadium: Orlando City Stadium
Attendance: 24,232
Referee: Alan Kelly
May 18 11 Toronto FC 2–1 Orlando City Toronto, Ontario, Canada
8:00 p.m. Chapman 63'
Telfer 87'		 Report Higuita 73'
Johnson Yellow card 84'		 Stadium: BMO Field
Attendance: 28,009
Referee: Allen Chapman
Note: Joe Bendik becomes first Lions player to play 7,000 minutes
May 26 12 Orlando City 1–2 Chicago Fire Orlando, Florida
7:30 p.m. Higuita 28'
El Monir Yellow card 11'
Schuler Yellow card 40'
Rosell Yellow card 64'
Mueller Yellow card 70'
Kljestan Yellow card 90'		 Report Katai 13'
Gordon 82'
Ellis Yellow card 45+1'
Adams Red card 89'
Kappelhof Yellow card 90+6'		 Stadium: Orlando City Stadium
Attendance: 25,288
Referee: Nima Saghafi
June 2 13 New York City FC 3–0 Orlando City The Bronx, New York
7:30 p.m. Tajouri 35', 79'
Moralez Yellow card 77', 87'		 Report Rosell Yellow card 78'
Johnson Yellow card 86'		 Stadium: Yankee Stadium
Attendance: 22,103
Referee: Hilario Grajeda
Note: First of four road games (including one U.S. Open Cup match) in the span of 12 days
June 9 14 Vancouver Whitecaps FC 5–2 Orlando City Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
10:00 p.m. Shea Yellow card 33'
Kamara 36'
Aja Yellow card 70'
Davies 76'
Reyna 87'
Mezquida 90'		 Report Johnson Yellow card 12'
El Monir Yellow card 27' Yellow-red card 58'
Higuita Yellow card 45'
Allen Yellow card 50'
Kljestan 64'
Dwyer 90+4'		 Stadium: BC Place
Attendance: 22,120
Referee: José Carlos Rivero
June 13 15 Montreal Impact 3–0 Orlando City Montreal, Quebec, Canada
7:30 p.m. Piatti 5' (PK), 90+2'
Tarek 55' (o.g.)		 Report Dwyer Yellow card 17'
Higuita Yellow card 19'
Rosell Yellow card 49'		 Stadium: Stade Saputo
Attendance: 15,621
Referee: Armando Villarreal
June 23 16 Orlando City 0–2 Montreal Impact Orlando, Florida
7:30 p.m. Kljestan Yellow card 58' Report Sané 55' (o.g.)
Piatti 84'		 Stadium: Orlando City Stadium
Attendance: 23,498
Referee: Drew Fischer
June 30 17 Atlanta United FC 4–0 Orlando City Atlanta, Georgia
7:00 p.m. Martínez 3'
Almirón 55', 78'
Barco 57'		 Report JohnsonYellow card 19' Stadium: Mercedes-Benz Stadium
Attendance: 71,932
Referee: Armando Villarreal
Note: Supporters' groups "Iron Lion Firm" & "The Ruckus" banned from next two matches in Atlanta due to "alleged" inappropriate behavior through 2019 season.
July 7 18 Los Angeles FC 4–1 Orlando City Los Angeles, California
4:30 p.m. Diomande 28', 82'
Blessing 32'
Rossi 84'
CimanYellow card 90+1'		 Report Kljestan 59'
AllenYellow card 61'
RosellYellow card 81'		 Stadium: Banc of California Stadium
Attendance: 22,000
Referee: Chris Penso
Note: New expansion club for MLS in 2018. James O'Connor's first game in charge of Orlando.
July 14 19 Orlando City 2–1 Toronto FC Orlando, Florida
7:30 p.m. Schuler Yellow card 6', 34'
Dwyer 48'		 Report Chapman Yellow card 55'
Bradley Yellow card 67'
Zavaleta Yellow card 55'
Hagglund 90+4'		 Stadium: Orlando City Stadium
Attendance: 23,420
Referee: Allen Chapman
July 21 20 Columbus Crew 3–2 Orlando City Columbus, Ohio
7:30 p.m. JonathanYellow card 26'
Zardes 51', 88'
Santos Yellow card 84'
Trapp 90+2'
Williams Yellow card 90+5'		 Report Kljestan 16', Yellow card 43'
SchulerYellow card 26'
Pinho 58'
El-MunirYellow card 87'
YotúnYellow card 90+3'		 Stadium: MAPFRE Stadium
Attendance: 14,052
Referee: Silviu Petrescu
July 26 21 Orlando City 0–2 New York City FC Orlando, Florida
8:00 p.m. Dwyer Yellow card 44'
Higuita Yellow card 62'
O'Neill Red card 83'		 Report Morález 40'
Tinnerholm 45+1'
McNamara Yellow card 58'
JohnsonYellow card 87'
Ring Yellow card 90+5'		 Stadium: Orlando City Stadium
Attendance: 23,790
Referee: Robert Sibiga
July 29 22 LA Galaxy 4–3 Orlando City Carson, California
9:30 p.m. Ciani Yellow card 8'
Giovani 39'
Ibrahimović 47', 67', 71', Yellow card 72'		 Report Higuita 18'
Ciani 44' (o.g.)
Rocha Yellow card 48'
Dwyer 54'		 Stadium: StubHub Center
Attendance: 24,941
Referee: Armando Villarreal
August 4 23 Orlando City 3–3 New England Revolution Orlando, Florida
7:30 p.m. PC Yellow card 6'
Kljestan Yellow card 39'
Dwyer 45',Yellow card 90+4'
Tarek 71'
Sutter 90+3'
Yotún Red card 90+8'		 Report Agudelo 7'
Penilla 18'
Bye Yellow card 38'
Bunbury 76'		 Stadium: Orlando City Stadium
Attendance: 23,879
Referee: Hilario Grajeda
August 12 24 D.C. United 3–2 Orlando City Washington, D.C.
6:00 p.m. Acosta 45+4', 64', 90+6', Yellow card 90+6'
Birnbaum Yellow card 49'		 Report Ousted 50' (o.g)
Higuita Red card 55'
Dwyer 71'
Tarek Yellow card 86'		 Stadium: Audi Field
Attendance: 17,020
Referee: José Carlos Rivero
Note: Orlando's first visit to newly opened Audi Field.
August 24 25 Orlando City 1–2 Atlanta United FC Orlando, Florida
8:00 p.m. Sutter 39'
Johnson Yellow card 60'
Rosell Yellow card 86'
Spector Yellow card 90+3'		 Report González Pirez 21'
Martínez 74', Yellow card 75'		 Stadium: Orlando City Stadium
Attendance: 25,058
Referee: Ismail Elfath
September 1 26 Orlando City 2–2 Philadelphia Union Orlando, Florida
8:00 p.m. Dwyer 9'
Sutter 90+1'		 Report Burke 32'
Picault 88'
Bedoya Yellow card 89'
Jones Yellow card 90+5'		 Stadium: Orlando City Stadium
Attendance: 22,912
Referee: Chris Penso
September 8 27 Sporting Kansas City 1–0 Orlando City Kansas City, Kansas
8:30 p.m. Gutiérrez 53' Report Mueller Yellow card 38'
Johnson Yellow card 42'		 Stadium: Children's Mercy Park
Attendance: 19,332
Referee: Alan Kelly
September 16 28 Chicago Fire 4–0 Orlando City Bridgeview, Illinois
5:00 p.m. Nikolic 3', 70'
Katai 28', Yellow card 58'
de Leeuw 56'		 Report Stadium: Toyota Park
Attendance: 16,287
Referee: Allen Chapman
September 22 29 Orlando City 0–0 Houston Dynamo Orlando, Florida
7:30 p.m. Spector Yellow card 24'
Ascues Yellow card 73'
Dwyer Yellow card 90+1'
Yotun Yellow card 90+4'		 Report Wenger Yellow card 33' Stadium: Orlando City Stadium
Attendance: 23,723
Referee: Baldomero Toledo
October 6 30 FC Dallas 2–0 Orlando City Frisco, Texas
8:00 p.m. Cannon Yellow card 27'
Gruezo Yellow card 28'
Mosquera 63'
Ulloa 69'		 Report Dwyer Yellow card 7'
Yotún Yellow card 35'		 Stadium: Toyota Stadium
Attendance: 16,519
Referee: Nima Saghafi
October 13 31 New England Revolution 2–0 Orlando City Foxboro, Massachusetts
7:30 p.m. Penilla 51'
Fagundez 55'		 Report Stadium: Gillette Stadium
Attendance: 19,775
Referee: Dave Gantar
October 17 32 Orlando City 1–2 Seattle Sounders FC Orlando, Florida
7:30 p.m. Dwyer 57'
Ascues Yellow card 90+2'		 Report Rodríguez 3'
Bwana 13'
Delem Yellow card 78'
A. Roldan Yellow card 90+5'		 Stadium: Orlando City Stadium
Attendance: 22,344
Referee: Mark Geiger
October 21 33 Orlando City 2–1 Columbus Crew Orlando, Florida
Dwyer Yellow card 37'
Yotún 57' (PK)
Kljestan 90+6' (PK)		 Report Mensah Yellow card 33'
Higuaín 54'		 Stadium: Orlando City Stadium
Attendance: 23,642
Referee: Kevin Stott
October 28 34 New York Red Bulls 1–0 Orlando City Harrison, New Jersey
4:30 p.m. Etienne 53'
Muyl Yellow card 74'		 Report Dwyer Yellow card 45' Stadium: Red Bull Arena
Attendance: 20,023
Referee: Ismail Elfath
Note: Decision Day 2018; all matches start at 4:30 pm. EST

Standings[edit]

Eastern Conference table[edit]

Pos Team
 Pld W L T GF GA GD Pts
7 Montreal Impact 34 14 16 4 47 53 −6 46
8 New England Revolution 34 10 13 11 49 55 −6 41
9 Toronto FC 34 10 18 6 59 64 −5 36
10 Chicago Fire 34 8 18 8 48 61 −13 32
11 Orlando City SC 34 8 22 4 43 74 −31 28
Source: MLS
Rules for classification: 1) points; 2) total wins; 3) total goal differential; 4) total goals scored; 5) disciplinary points; 6) away goal differential; 7) away goals scored; 8) home goal differential; 9) home goals scored; 10) coin toss or drawing of lots.

Overall table[edit]

Pos Team
 Pld W L T GF GA GD Pts Qualification[a]
19 Toronto FC 34 10 18 6 59 64 −5 36 2019 CONCACAF Champions League
20 Chicago Fire 34 8 18 8 48 61 −13 32
21 Colorado Rapids 34 8 19 7 36 63 −27 31
22 Orlando City SC 34 8 22 4 43 74 −31 28
23 San Jose Earthquakes 34 4 21 9 49 71 −22 21
Source: MLS
Rules for classification: 1) points; 2) total wins; 3) total goal differential; 4) total goals scored; 5) disciplinary points; 6) away goals scored; 7) away goal differential; 8) coin toss or drawing of lots
Notes:
  1. ^
    CONCACAF Champions League
    Selection procedure
    • Four US-based teams qualified for the 2019 CONCACAF Champions League. Due to a change in format to the tournament, two qualifiers came from each of the 2017 and 2018 MLS seasons.[64] This combined qualification method was used for the 2019 tournament only. For the 2018 season, the following teams qualified:
      1. The winner of MLS Cup 2018 (Atlanta United FC);
      2. The winner of the 2018 U.S. Open Cup (Houston Dynamo)
      Thus unlike previous seasons, the Supporters' Shield winner and the regular season conference champion that did not win the Supporters' Shield werw not guaranteed a berth. Each qualifier entered at the second phase of the tournament.
      One Canada-based team qualified for the 2019 CONCACAF Champions League, also entering at the second phase (NOTE: Canadian teams could not qualify through MLS):
      1. The winner of the 2018 Canadian Championship (Toronto FC)

U.S. Open Cup[edit]

Main article: 2018 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup

After the fourth round draw was held on May 24, Orlando City entered the 105th edition of the U.S. Open Cup on the road in South Florida, against Miami FC on June 6.[65]

Bracket
Fourth round
June 5–6 		Round of 16
June 15–20 		Quarter-finals
July 18 		Semi-finals
August 8 		Final
September 26
               
MLS Houston Dynamo 5
LQ NTX Rayados 0
MLS Houston Dynamo 1
MLS Minnesota United FC 0
USL FC Cincinnati 0(1)
MLS Minnesota United FC 0(3)
MLS Houston Dynamo 4
MLS Sporting Kansas City 2
MLS Real Salt Lake 0
MLS Sporting Kansas City 2
MLS Sporting Kansas City 3
MLS FC Dallas 2
USL San Antonio FC 0
MLS FC Dallas 1
MLS Houston Dynamo 3(7)
MLS Los Angeles FC 3(6)
MLS Los Angeles FC 2
USL Fresno FC 0
MLS Los Angeles FC 3
USL Sacramento Republic FC 2
USL Sacramento Republic FC 2*
MLS Seattle Sounders FC 1
MLS Los Angeles FC 3
MLS Portland Timbers 2
MLS Portland Timbers 2
MLS San Jose Earthquakes 0
MLS Portland Timbers 1
MLS LA Galaxy 0
MLS LA Galaxy 3
PDL FC Golden State Force 1
MLS Houston Dynamo 3
MLS Philadelphia Union 0
MLS Philadelphia Union 5
USL Richmond Kickers 0
MLS Philadelphia Union 2
MLS New York Red Bulls 1
MLS New York Red Bulls 4
MLS New York City FC 0
MLS Philadelphia Union 1
MLS Orlando City SC 0
MLS D.C. United 1(4)
USL North Carolina FC 1(3)
MLS D.C. United 1(2)
MLS Orlando City SC 1(4)
NPSL Miami United FC 0
MLS Orlando City SC 3
MLS Philadelphia Union 3
MLS Chicago Fire 0
MLS Atlanta United FC 3
USL Charleston Battery 0
MLS Atlanta United FC 0
MLS Chicago Fire 1
MLS Columbus Crew SC 2(9)
MLS Chicago Fire 2(10)
MLS Chicago Fire 4
USL Louisville City FC 0
USL Louisville City FC 3
MLS New England Revolution 2
USL Louisville City FC 2
USL Nashville SC 1
USL Nashville SC 2
MLS Colorado Rapids 0
June 6 Fourth round Miami United FC Florida 0–3 Florida Orlando City Hialeah, Florida
7:00 pm EDT Shamar Yellow card 45'
Schenfeld Yellow card 51'
Tejera Yellow card 68'
Domingues Yellow card 70'		 Report El Monir Yellow card 33'
Pinho 37'
Powers 53'
PC 62', Yellow card 73'		 Stadium: Ted Hendricks Stadium
Attendance: 2,721
Referee: Elvis Osmanovic
June 20 Round of 16 D.C. United Washington, D.C. 1–1 (a.e.t.)
(2–4 p)		 Florida Orlando City Germantown, Maryland
7:00 pm EDT Acosta 10'
Fisher Yellow card 24'
Durkin Yellow card 52' Yellow-red card 99'		 Report Meram 17'
El-Munir Yellow card 116'
Mueller Yellow card 117'		 Stadium: Maryland SoccerPlex
Attendance: 3,254
Referee: Marcos de Oliveira
Penalties
July 18 Quarterfinals Philadelphia Union Pennsylvania 1–0 Florida Orlando City Chester, Pennsylvania
7:00 pm EDT Bedoya 4' Report Toia Yellow card 85'
Johnson Yellow card 17'		 Stadium: Talen Energy Stadium
Attendance: 7,176
Referee: Rubiel Vazquez

Squad statistics[edit]

Main article: List of Orlando City SC records and statistics

Appearances[edit]

As of match played October 28, 2018

Starting appearances are listed first, followed by substitute appearances after the + symbol where applicable.

No. Pos Nat Player Total MLS Open Cup
Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
Goalkeepers
1 GK United States USA Joe Bendik 25 0 24+1 0 0 0
31 GK United States USA Mason Stajduhar 0 0 0 0 0 0
36 GK United States USA Earl Edwards Jr. 8 0 5 0 3 0
99 GK United States USA Adam Grinwis 5 0 5 0 0 0
Defenders
2 DF United States USA Jonathan Spector 15 0 13 0 2 0
3 DF Egypt EGY Amro Tarek 22 1 19+1 1 2 0
12 DF United States USA Shane O'Neill 14 0 13 0 1 0
13 DF Libya LBY Mohamed El Monir 29 0 22+4 0 3 0
21 DF Switzerland SUI Scott Sutter 19 3 18+1 3 0 0
22 DF Senegal SEN Lamine Sané 17 1 15+1 1 1 0
25 DF United States USA Donny Toia 5 0 3+1 0 1 0
27 DF United States USA R. J. Allen 20 0 10+8 0 2 0
28 DF United States USA Chris Schuler 10 1 8+1 1 0+1 0
94 DF Brazil BRA PC 9 1 5+3 1 1 0
Midfielders
4 MF Canada CAN Will Johnson 32 1 26+3 1 1+2 0
5 MF United States USA Dillon Powers 5 1 0+3 0 1+1 1
6 MF Canada CAN Richie Laryea 9 0 2+7 0 0 0
7 MF Colombia COL Cristian Higuita 22 4 18+3 4 1 0
8 MF United States USA Tony Rocha 13 0 9+3 0 1 0
10 MF Paraguay PAR Josué Colmán 27 1 10+14 1 2+1 0
15 MF United States USA Cam Lindley 4 0 3 0 0+1 0
16 MF United States USA Sacha Kljestan 33 6 29+1 6 3 0
20 MF Spain ESP Uri Rosell 24 0 18+4 0 2 0
26 MF Peru PER Carlos Ascues 9 0 9 0 0 0
Forwards
11 FW United States USA Pierre Da Silva 2 0 0+2 0 0 0
14 FW United States USA Dom Dwyer 27 13 25+1 13 1 0
17 FW United States USA Chris Mueller 34 3 23+9 3 2 0
19 FW Peru PER Yoshimar Yotún 22 4 22 4 0 0
29 FW Brazil BRA Stefano Pinho 26 3 5+18 2 2+1 1
33 FW United States USA Jose Villarreal 5 0 0+3 0 0+2 0
Players who appeared for the club but left during the season:
9 FW Iraq IRQ Justin Meram 18 2 14+3 1 1 1

Goalscorers[edit]

As of match played October 28, 2018
Rank No. Pos. Name MLS Open Cup Total
1 FW 14 United States Dom Dwyer 13 0 13
2 MF 16 United States Sacha Kljestan 6 0 6
3 MF 7 Colombia Cristian Higuita 4 0 4
MF 19 Peru Yoshimar Yotún 4 0 4
5 FW 17 United States Chris Mueller 3 0 3
RB 21 Switzerland Scott Sutter 3 0 3
FW 29 Brazil Stefano Pinho 2 1 3
8 MF 9 Iraq Justin Meram 1 1 2
9 MF 4 Canada Will Johnson 1 0 1
MF 10 Paraguay Josué Colmán 1 0 1
CB 22 Senegal Lamine Sané 1 0 1
CB 28 United States Chris Schuler 1 0 1
CB 3 Egypt Amro Tarek 1 0 1
MF 5 United States Dillon Powers 0 1 1
LB 94 Brazil PC 0 1 1
Own Goals 2 0 2
Total 43 4 47

Shutouts[edit]

As of match played October 28, 2018
Rank No. Name MLS Open Cup Total
1 1 United States Joe Bendik 1 0 1
99 United States Adam Grinwis 1 0 1
36 United States Earl Edwards Jr. 0 1 1
Total 2 1 3

Disciplinary record[edit]

As of match played October 28, 2018
No. Pos. Name MLS Open Cup Total
Yellow card Yellow card Yellow-red card Red card Yellow card Yellow card Yellow-red card Red card Yellow card Yellow card Yellow-red card Red card
1 GK United States Joe Bendik 3 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 0
2 DF United States Jonathan Spector 2 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0
3 DF Egypt Amro Tarek 2 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0
4 MF Canada Will Johnson 7 0 0 1 0 0 8 0 0
6 MF