Philadelphia Union 0-0 Orlando City – All Square After Spirited Stalemate at Subaru Park

By Alonso Contreras

Philadelphia Union and Orlando City played out a goalless draw in a hard-fought contest that saw both sides come close but ultimately fail to find the breakthrough in front of goal. Despite a flurry of chances, last-ditch defending, and standout goalkeeping, the match ended 0-0, with both teams forced to settle for a point.

First Half:

The opening 45 minutes saw Philadelphia create the lion’s share of opportunities, with Quinn Sullivan and Jovan Lukic both testing Orlando goalkeeper Pedro Gallese from distance. However, Gallese was in fine form, producing multiple saves to keep the Union at bay.

Jakob Glesnes had a good look from a set piece in the 11th minute, but his header was comfortably dealt with. Orlando’s best moment came in the 41st minute when Marco Pašalić’s shot from the center of the box forced a sharp stop from Andre Blake.

Defensively, both sides were combative. Orlando’s Robin Jansson picked up a yellow card for a foul on Bruno Damiani, who was heavily involved throughout the half. Tai Baribo also saw a late first-half header blocked, ensuring the teams went into halftime scoreless.

HT: Philadelphia Union 0-0 Orlando City

Second Half:

The second half opened with renewed intensity, and it was the Union who pushed harder for the opener. Bruno Damiani had a golden opportunity in the 47th minute with a powerful effort from close range, but Gallese stood tall again.

The game then turned scrappy, with numerous fouls and yellow cards handed out to both sides. In total, 10 players received bookings, including Quinn Sullivan, Nathan Harriel, and Indiana Vassilev for Philadelphia, and Luis Muriel, Dagur Thorhallsson, and Pedro Gallese for Orlando.

Damiani continued to threaten, missing two promising chances in the 58th and 59th minutes – one a header that flew over.

Orlando’s best moment came via Kyle Smith, whose 78th-minute header from the center of the box was well saved by Blake. Rodrigo Schlegel also had a close-range header blocked just moments earlier.

As the match ticked into stoppage time, tempers flared and chances waned. Danley Jean Jacques had the final opportunity for the Union in the 90+6th minute, but his speculative effort from outside the box was always rising.

Despite Philadelphia’s 20+ shots and numerous corner kicks, the goal eluded them.

FT: Philadelphia Union 0-0 Orlando City

Key Stats:

• Shots: Philadelphia 23 – Orlando 10

• Shots on Target: Philadelphia 5 – Orlando 4

• xG: Philadelphia 1.61 – Orlando 0.89

• Yellow Cards: Philadelphia 5 – Orlando 5

• Corners: Philadelphia 11 – Orlando 3

Player of the Match:

Pedro Gallese (Orlando City) – A commanding presence in goal, Gallese’s six saves and leadership in the back helped secure a clean sheet for the visitors.

Philadelphia will feel they left points on the table after dominating much of the match, while Orlando will be pleased with a resilient defensive performance and a hard-earned road point.