SOCCER: Martin Ojeda's brace propels Orlando City over Union

ORLANDO, Florida – Martin Ojeda struck twice, including a dramatic late winner in the 90th minute, as Orlando City edged the visiting Philadelphia Union 4-3 in a rain-soaked MLS clash on Wednesday night.

Just 11 minutes after Philadelphia had drawn level, Orlando found the decisive moment. Adrian Marin delivered a cross into the box, where Ojeda stretched out to meet it with a header that left Union goalkeeper Andrew Rick with no chance.

The victory improved Orlando City to 4-8-1 for 13 points, marking their third win in five matches. Philadelphia (1-9-3, 6 points) remained near the bottom of the Eastern Conference after surrendering a 3-1 comeback effort.

Ojeda opened the scoring in the 19th minute from the penalty spot after drawing a foul in the box. His initial hesitation sent Rick diving the wrong way before he calmly converted the kick.

Orlando doubled the lead in the 27th minute through Griffin Dorsey, who finished from close range after Tiago won back-to-back challenges deep in Philadelphia’s half and set up the opportunity.

Duncan McGuire added a third in the 72nd minute after combining with substitute Tyrese Spicer on a quick counterattack. Spicer broke free near midfield and led a 3-on-1 break before finding McGuire unmarked for a composed right-footed finish.

Philadelphia, however, mounted a spirited fightback.

Milan Iloski pulled one back in the 54th minute, finishing a well-worked counterattack involving teenage midfielder Cavan Sullivan and Nathan Harriel. Sullivan helped initiate the move before Harriel squared the ball for Iloski to slot home from the center of the box.

Moments later, Philadelphia nearly equalized when Olwethu Makhanya’s header forced Orlando goalkeeper Maxime Crepeau into a fingertip save from a corner.

The Union’s resurgence continued through 16-year-old Sullivan, who scored his first MLS goal in the 75th minute. Sullivan combined with Ben Bender in the buildup, finishing a slick passing move that cut the deficit to 3-2.

Four minutes later, Bender completed the comeback. Operating in an advanced role during the match, he found space on the edge of the box and fired a low shot into the far corner, beyond Crepeau’s reach, to level the score at 3-3.

Philadelphia had erased a 3-1 deficit to briefly seize momentum, but their defensive lapses proved costly late.

Orlando nearly retook the lead earlier when Ojeda sent a chance over the crossbar, but the forward made no mistake in stoppage time. Once again, Marin provided the service, and Ojeda’s diving header sealed all three points for the hosts.

Union goalkeeper Andrew Rick, making his first start of the season in place of the injured Andre Blake, finished with two saves in a difficult outing.

Crepeau made four saves for Orlando, helping preserve the victory despite Philadelphia’s second-half surge.

The match featured five Orlando substitutes, with McGuire and Spicer combining for one of the team’s key goals as the Lions capitalized on transitions throughout the night.

-Field Level Media/Reuters