Substitute Duncan McGuire scored his third goal of the season in the first minute of second-half stoppage time and Orlando rallied to a stunning 3-2 victory at D.C. United on Saturday night.
McGuire’s tally came after David Brekalo pulled Orlando (2-3-2, 8 points) level for the second time on an 82nd-minute corner kick.
Dan Thorhallson also scored a much earlier equalizer during the first half for Orlando, which earned its first win away from home this season.
The Lions had previously been outscored 7-0 in two away defeats to begin the campaign.
Christian Benteke scored his sixth goal of the season and added his first assist for D.C. (2-2-4, 10 points), which failed to win after holding a lead for the fourth time in five matches.
Pedro Gallese’s early mistake contributed to Benteke’s opener, but he made four stops for the Lions including two crucial ones late to preserve the victory.
Substitute Gabriel Pirani also scored his first goal of the season to give United a 2-1 lead in the 66th minute.
But D.C. would fall to its second home defeat after yet another pivotal late stretch that went in their opponents’ favor.
Brekalo leveled on a close-range header from Ivan Angulo’s corner kick from the right.
Benteke looked to have the situation covered at the near post, but somehow narrowly missed on his attempt to head the ball clear of danger.
And Brekalo was there to redirect the service beyond goalkeeper Alex Bono just behind him and inside the far post.
Then as D.C. pressed to take a lead for the third time, they were caught too far up field by Nicolas Loderi’s excellent ball over the top.
McGuire stayed in his own half to remain onside when Lodeiro played the pass, then ran onto it before D.C.’s center backs could react.
The second-year pro then finished coolly and low past Bono to give the Lions a dramatic victory.
–Field Level Media
