With a 3-1 victory over Minnesota United on Thursday, Orlando City punched its ticket to MLS is Back Tournament final. It was a massive milestone for a club that has never qualified for the MLS playoffs. Here are three things we learned from the win:
The Lions have played prettier matches this tournament. Minnesota was tough. The Loons were scrappy. They played hard and fast. And they brought more pace through the wings than any other matchups that outside backs Ruan and João Moutinho have faced so far this tournament.
So it wasn’t the same level of dominant and smooth play that Orlando City fans might have become accustomed to during the tournament.