Orlando secures MLS playoff spot with 3-1 win over FC Dallas

On Saturday night, Orlando City secured a spot in the MLS playoffs with a decisive 3-1 victory over FC Dallas in Frisco, Texas. Ramiro Enrique opened the scoring in the 18th minute with a glancing header from Rafael Santos's cross. The second half saw Rodrigo Schlegel and Facundo Torres score within four minutes of each other, establishing a commanding three-goal lead for Orlando. Torres's goal marked a significant milestone, tying him with Cyle Larin for the most goals in club history across all competitions at 44. This victory not only solidified Orlando's playoff position but also indirectly benefited Houston, which secured its playoff spot ahead of its match against Seattle. Torres's impressive performance this season includes 17 goals, just one shy of Larin's single-season club record of 18, set during Larin's rookie year in 2015. Additionally, Torres has surpassed his previous record of 25 goal contributions from 2022, showcasing his growth as a key player for the team. Dallas managed to score a consolation goal in the 78th minute through a penalty kick by Paul Arriola, but it was not enough to change the outcome of the match. Orlando's coach, Oscar Pareja, celebrated his 80th victory with the club, reflecting on his long-standing connection to Dallas, where he played for eight seasons before transitioning into coaching. Overall, this match highlighted Orlando's strong performance and set the stage for their upcoming playoff campaign, while also marking a challenging season for FC Dallas.