Orlando, Fla. (September 7, 2022) – The U.S. Open Cup Final went the way of Orlando City SC on Wednesday night, with the Florida club taking a 3-0 victory and lifting the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup trophy.
A well-played contest was deadlocked heading to the final 20 minutes of play, but Orlando City netted the eventual winner with 15 minutes to go before a penalty sealed the result. Sacramento’s valiant run through the Open Cup comes to a close having taken six wins and one loss, while besting three upper-division opponents.
Orlando got their attack going in the 18th minute, building up the right flank. Service into the penalty area found space, but was cleared away before play was stopped for an injury following a collision in the box. The hosts found another opportunity moments later on a set piece, but good defending kept Ercan Kara from letting off a shot at goal from close range. Maalique Foster came inches from opening the scoring just minutes later. After receiving the ball from Luis Felipe pushing forward, the Jamaican found space for a left-footed attempt that went just wide of the post.
Orlando had the ball in Sacramento’s half as the match inched close to halftime. A blocked shot in the 36th minute by Conor Donovan denied Orlando after the hosts built up the right flank. Moments later, an errant touch allowed Orlando an opportunity from close range, but the attempt was again blocked by Donovan after Dan Casey did well close the attackers’ window to shoot.
Sacramento found a chance just before the hour mark, after Maalique Foster chased down a clearance from Lee Desmond. The ball found its way to Keko in space in front of goal, but Sacramento couldn’t get off a shot as Jack Gurr was taken down trying to field the Spaniard’s ball through. The Boys in Old Glory Red found another chance on a set piece following the 70 minute mark, but Lee Desmond’s attempt at a header was met.
Following the Republic FC returns home, where they resume league play against Loudoun United FC at Heart Health Park on September 10. Kickoff is set for 7:00 p.m., and the match will be broadcast live on Antenna TV 40.2, FOX40.com and the FOX40 News mobile app, and streaming on ESPN+. Tickets are still available at SacRepublicFC.com/single-match-tickets.
Sacramento Republic 0 – 3 Orlando City SC
Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup
Exploria Stadium
September 7, 2022
Scoring Summary: SAC– None ORL – Facundo Torres (Benji Michel) 75’, Facundo Torres (penalty) 81’, Benji Michel 90’
Misconduct Summary: SAC– Lee Desmond (caution) 75’, Luis Felipe (caution) 77’, Rodrigo Lopez (caution) 79’ ORL – Antonio Carlos (caution) 69’, Mauricio Pererya (caution) 90’
Sacramento Republic FC: Danny Vitiello, Lee Desmond, Dan Casey, Conor Donovan (Nick Ross 89’), Damia Viader, Jack Gurr, Luis Felipe, Matt LaGrassa (Emil Cuello 79’), Rodrigo Lopez (C), Maalique Foster (Luther Archimede 79’), Keko Gontan (Douglas Martinez 65’)
Unused substitutes: Carlos Saldaña, Duke Lacroix, Josh Bauer
Stats – Shots: 5, Shots on Goal: 2, Saves: 0, Fouls: 15, Corner Kicks: 1, Offsides: 2
Orlando City SC: Pedro Gallese, Joao Moutinho, Rodrigo Schlegel, Antonio Carlos, Ruan (Kyle Smith 83’), Cesar Araujo, Mauricio Pererya (C) (Wilder Cartagena 90’), Ivan Angulo (Tesho Akindele 83’), Junior Urso (Wilder Cartagena 90’), Facundo Torres, Ercan Kara (Benji Michel 61’)
Unused substitutes: Mason Stajduhar, Robin Jansson, Wilder Cartagena, Andres Perea,
Stats – Shots: 15, Shots on Goal: 3, Saves: 2, Fouls: 11, Corner Kicks: 1, Offsides: 1
