Orlando City Defeats Toluca in Penalty Shootout
Orlando City, a top-four team in the MLS Eastern Conference after 27 games, eliminated Toluca, the reigning Liga MX champions, from the 2025 Leagues Cup in a dramatic penalty shootout. The match ended 0-0 after regulation at the Dignity Health Sports Park in California, with Orlando City ultimately winning 6-5 on penalties.
Penalty Shootout Heroics
Both teams showcased 100% success rates in the initial rounds of penalty takers, with Alexis Vega, Federico Pereira, Robert Morales, Jesús Gallardo, and Franco Romero for Toluca, and Martín Ojeda, Robin Jansson, Alex Freeman, Joran Gerbet, and Kyle Smith for Orlando City. However, the shootout’s momentum shifted when Nicolás Castro and Ramiro Enrique missed for their respective teams. Ultimately, Juan Pablo Domínguez’s miss for Toluca and Pedro Gallese’s successful conversion for Orlando City sealed the victory.
Gallese was instrumental throughout the shootout, saving penalties from both Castro and Domínguez, before scoring the decisive penalty himself, displaying technique and composure.
Toluca’s Recent Form and Expectations
Despite being considered one of the favorites to win the Leagues Cup, Toluca failed to advance past a goalless draw with Orlando City in regular time. The Mexican side, under the guidance of Antonio Mohamed, had recently won the Clausura 2025 Liga MX title in May and the Campeón de Campeones trophy in the 2024-25 season. However, they have only managed one victory in their last three matches across Liga MX and the Leagues Cup.
Mohamed had set ambitious targets for Toluca, including winning the Supercopa (Campeón de Campeones), Leagues Cup, and Liga MX. Following their victory over América, they added the Campeones Cup to their objectives, aiming for international prominence.
Orlando City’s Performance
Orlando City, despite not securing a goal in the first 30 minutes due to an offside call annulled by VAR, put forth a strong performance. The team’s argentine player, Martín Ojeda, scored early but was denied by the VAR due to an offside position.
Looking Ahead for Toluca
Although eliminated in the Leagues Cup quarterfinals, Toluca has secured a spot in the 2026 CONCACAF Campeones Cup, representing Mexico alongside América, Monterrey, Cruz Azul, Tigres, and Pumas in pursuit of the title and a berth in the 2029 Mundial de Clubes. Mohamed emphasized his team’s commitment to winning more titles and improving their international standing.
With their focus now shifting to Liga MX, Toluca will face Cruz Azul this Saturday, one of the two remaining unbeaten teams in the Apertura 2025 alongside América. The Diablos Rojos aim to avoid a third consecutive match without a win.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who were the teams involved in the match? Orlando City and Toluca, with Toluca being the reigning Liga MX champions.
- What was the final score, and how was it determined? The match ended 0-0 after regular time. Orlando City won 6-5 in the penalty shootout.
- Who were the key performers in the penalty shootout? Pedro Gallese, Orlando City’s goalkeeper, saved crucial penalties and scored the decisive penalty.
- What are Toluca’s recent achievements and current form? Toluca won the Clausura 2025 Liga MX title and Campeón de Campeones in the 2024-25 season. However, they have struggled recently, with only one victory in their last three matches.
- What are Toluca’s upcoming fixtures? Toluca will face Cruz Azul in the Liga MX Apertura 2025, aiming to avoid a third consecutive match without a win.
