Fantastic Mueller secures Orlando passage to the next round - NYCFC face elimination

MLS is Back Tournament hosts Orlando City SC have made it two out of two wins to start the tournament, enough to all but secure passage to the round of 16. Chris Mueller scored two goals in the first half to lay the foundation for Orlando's 3-1 win over New York City FC.

New York City FC head coach Ronny Deila started his team with a 3-4-3 setup, but the shape was terrible, and his team struggled defensively as Orlando made full usage of the wide spaces. The Lions pressed the Citizens deep into their own half, and in the fourth minute, Mueller scored his first by diving into a João Moutinho free-kick.

Just six minutes later, Mueller scored his second of the game. Dom Dwyer got on the end of a cross, headed the ball across the goalmouth where Mueller was wide open, scoring his second of the game, the third of the tournament, and the fourth of the season. Orlando were well on their way to secure all three points, but in the 38th minute, Jesús Medina pulled one back with a volley from 25-yards out. Mueller then almost restored the two-goal lead hitting the crossbar with a header.

The second half provided more action as New York City were desperate to find an equalizer. They came the closest in the 77th minute when first Keaton Parks with a shot from outside the box, and then Valentín Castellanos tested Orlando keeper Pedro Gallese with back-to-back shots. On the other end goalkeeper, Sean Johnson was less tidy in the 81st minute when he saved a shot by Benji Michel, allowing Tesho Akindele to head home the rebound. 

The Canadians first ever goal for his new club was decisive. With a two-goal cushion, Orlando managed to see the game out, and with six points from the first two games can now focus on winning Group A of the MLS is Back Tournament. 

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