Orlando City SC defeated the Philadelphia Union, 1-0, courtesy of a second half goal by Alexander Alvarado in both teams’ preseason opener Monday at Joe DiMaggio Sports Complex in Clearwater, Fla.
The Union rolled out a strong first-choice lineup for the opening 45 minutes of the closed-door scrimmage and homegrown striker Jack de Vries nearly put the Supporters’ Shield winners ahead, but he put his shot off the post. Kacper Przybylko had a chance negated by the offside flag and Alejandro Bedoya put an attempt on frame, but the match was scoreless at the break.
Moments after Paxten Aaronson, part of the Union's completely different second-half XI (outside of center back Jack Elliott), also hit the post, Alvarado struck for the Lions in the 61st minute. The 21-year-old Ecuadorian forward made a pair of short substitute appearances after signing a short-term loan from S.D. Aucas late last season, a move made permanent by the club in December.
Jack McGlynn created a few chances for the equalizer, but it didn’t materialize for the Union who next host Chicago Fire FC in Clearview on March 20 at 3 pm ET. Orlando City SC meet NYCFC in another closed-door scrimmage March 18.
Goals
- 61’ — ORL — Alexander Alvarado
Lineups
Philadelphia Union, first half (4-1-3-2, r. to l.): Andre Blake — Olivier Mbiazo, Jakob Glesnes, Jack Elliott, Kai Wagner — Jose Martinez — Alejandro Bedoya, Anthony Fontana, Jamiro Monteiro — Kacper Przybylko, Jack de Vries
Philadelphia Union, second half (4-1-3-2, r. to l.): Joe Bendik — Nathan Harriel, Matej Oravec, Jack Elliott, Matt Real — Brandan Craig — Cole Turner, Jack McGlynn, Paxten Aaronson — Quinn Sullivan, Shanyder Borgelin
Philadelphia Union II player
Orlando City SC
No lineup information provided
