Orlando City’s playoff dreams came to an end on Sunday with a 3-1 loss to the New England Revolution.
Momentum shifted against the Lions during an otherwise uneventful play in the 60th minute. As Antonio Carlos tracked back to cover New England midfielder Matt Polster in transition, midfielder Mauricio Pereyra flew in for a late tackle with his both feet off the air and his studs turned high.
The red card was immediate, and no amount of protest from Pereyra’s teammates could change the referee’s mind. With 30 minutes left and a 2-1 deficit, the Lions were suddenly down a man again.