Match Events
| Min | Team | Card | Event | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 17' | Philadelphia Union | Andrew Rick | 0-0 | |
| 19' | Orlando City SC | Goal — M. Ojeda | 1-0 | |
| 27' | Orlando City SC | Goal — G. Dorsey | 2-0 | |
| 43' | Philadelphia Union | Substitution — J. Lukic on, C. Sullivan off | 2-0 | |
| 51' | Orlando City SC | Tiago Souza | 2-0 | |
| 54' | Philadelphia Union | Goal — M. Iloski (assist: N. Harriel) | 2-1 | |
| 58' | Philadelphia Union | Danley Jean Jacques | 2-1 | |
| 60' | Philadelphia Union | Jeremy Rafanello | 2-1 | |
| 63' | Orlando City SC | Substitution — E. Atuesta on, Luis Otavio off | 2-1 | |
| 64' | Orlando City SC | Substitution — D. Brekalo on, A. Gomez off | 2-1 | |
| 64' | Orlando City SC | Substitution — Tiago on, T. Spicer off | 2-1 | |
| 65' | Philadelphia Union | Substitution — I. Vassilev on, A. Anello off | 2-1 | |
| 70' | Orlando City SC | Substitution — J. Ellis on, D. McGuire off | 2-1 | |
| 72' | Orlando City SC | Goal — D. McGuire (assist: T. Spicer) | 3-1 | |
| 75' | Philadelphia Union | Substitution — B. Damiani on, S. Korzeniowski off | 3-1 | |
| 75' | Philadelphia Union | Substitution — M. Iloski on, E. Alladoh off | 3-1 | |
| 75' | Philadelphia Union | Goal — C. Sullivan (assist: B. Damiani) | 3-2 | |
| 79' | Philadelphia Union | Goal — B. Bender (assist: S. Korzeniowski) | 3-3 | |
| 81' | Orlando City SC | Substitution — G. Dorsey on, M. Pasalic off | 3-3 | |
| 90' | Orlando City SC | Goal — M. Ojeda (assist: A. Gomez) | 4-3 |
Orlando came out firing at Exploria Stadium and made it count early, racing into a 2-0 halftime lead that looked like it might be enough for a comfortable evening. The Union had other ideas though, pouring forward relentlessly in the second half and forcing the hosts into a desperate defensive scramble. Philadelphia threw everything at them, racking up ten corners and 26 shots total, but Orlando's Martín Ojeda was absolutely everywhere when it mattered, keeping his team in it when they were getting pushed around. What looked like a potential meltdown turned into a proper thriller. Orlando held firm despite being under the cosh for long spells and managed to nick it 4-3, a result that'll feel like gold dust given how much pressure they were under. Ojeda's performance in particular earned him the official nod as man of the match, and you could see why—he was crucial in helping his side weather that second-half storm and secure the win.
The Matchup
Orlando City SC 4-3 Philadelphia Union was the final score at Exploria Stadium, in a game where Orlando City SC did enough across the ninety minutes to deserve the three points. Orlando City SC also had the better share of the ball, holding 55% possession, which usually goes hand in hand with the extra control a winning side tends to show. The shot count told a similar story, with 12 attempts from Orlando City SC against 26 from Philadelphia Union over the course of the game. It was not always comfortable for Orlando City SC, and Philadelphia Union pushed for a way back into the game, but the result stood. Games like this can carry real weight later in the season, so this is a scoreline worth remembering. Below is a closer look at how the match broke down, statistically.
Man of the Match
Match Statistics
Orlando City SC vs Philadelphia Union Lineups
Looking Ahead
Orlando City SC will already be turning their attention to what comes next. Their next test comes away at Philadelphia Union, and how they respond after this result will be worth watching. You can follow the build-up and everything you need to know when Philadelphia Union vs Orlando City SC going to play at 26 September 2026 in Major League Soccer 2026.
Philadelphia Union, meanwhile, have a quick chance to build on this result. They are next in action at home to Orlando City SC, a game that will give an early sense of how they carry this result forward. Full details are here: Philadelphia Union vs Orlando City SC going to play at 26 September 2026 in Major League Soccer 2026.