Orlando City put the MLS world on notice on Friday night, stunning national favorites LAFC in penalties to move into the semifinals of the MLS is Back Tournament. But this was no fluke victory–the Lions were the better side on the night and deserved to advance.
The basic box score stats make this clear enough. Orlando City out-shot LAFC 17-8 on the night, held a slight advantage in possession, and were the better passing team, completing 77.3% of their passes to LAFC’s 71.9%. This last stat is especially notable, as LAFC is known for their suffocating high press and consistently out-passes their opponents.