If Orlando City remains undefeated after the first three matches of the Major League Soccer (MLS), it is largely due to the interventions of Pedro Gallese. The Peruvian goalkeeper is maintaining the level he showed last season, and this weekend he once again saved his team against DC United at Audi Field Stadium.
It was the 27th minute of the first half when Russell Canouse made a run down the right side and found the space to send a dangerous cross into the heart of the box. The away team's defenders miscalculated, and the ball landed at the feet of Christian Benteke, who was left one-on-one with the Peruvian National Team goalkeeper.
Just when it seemed that the former Liverpool forward was going to score from close range to make it 1-0, his shot was met with Gallese's quick reaction, denying him the goal. From the stands of the stadium in Washington, applause rained down for the 'Octopus', who once again came up huge to safeguard his goal.
Things changed in the second half, and Orlando City took the lead thanks to a perfect finish by Duncan McGuire (53') after a pass from Dagur Dan Þórhallsson. From then on, the home team pushed forward in search of the equalizer, requiring even more interventions from 'San Pedro'.
However, despite Gallese making up to four important saves, he couldn't stop Christopher Durkin's shot in the 80th minute. Thus, DC United found the equalizer they had been looking for, rescuing a point against the well-planned tactics of Óscar Pareja's team.
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When will Orlando City play again?
Orlando City will have their next match on Wednesday, March 15th, when they host Tigres UANL at Exploria Stadium in the second leg of the Concacaf Champions League round of 16. The match is scheduled for 7:15 p.m. (Peruvian time) and will be broadcasted on ESPN and Star Plus.
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