• FINAL STATS

The squad opening our #USOC2018 run! Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. 😈#MIAvORL | #VamosOrlando pic.twitter.com/nPIMUikrzm

— Orlando City SC (@OrlandoCitySC) June 6, 2018

Wins have been difficult to come by lately for Orlando City SC. A four-game skid in Major League Soccer play was most recently highlighted by a 3-0, shutout loss to New York City FC on June 2.

But a fourth-round matchup with National Premier Soccer League side Miami United FC was opportunity enough for the Lions to earn a victory and to start scoring goals again. City defeated Miami United 3-0 in their opening-round game of the U.S. Open Cup at Ted Hendricks Stadium on June 6.

The last time Orlando City scored three goals was in their final win of a club record six-game winning streak, a 3-1 home decision over Real Salt Lake.

Entering a three-game road trip that will keep the Lions away from Orlando through June 13, head coach Jason Kreis brought all of his players with him. Players like midfielders Dillon Powers and Victor “PC” Giro absorbed valuable minutes in a trip that will test the team’s depth.

It was forward Stéfano Pinho, who was playing against the Lions in the Open Cup just last season, who catalyzed the Lions’ chance at a win, though. He opened the match’s scoring in the 37th minute.

Midfielder Josué Colmán initiated the effort, as he laid off the ball to a sprinting Sacha Kljestan down the heart of the United defense. Kljestan, then, sent the ball into open space down the right wing to right back R.J. Allen, who curled in a grounded cross to Pinho for the one-touch finish and 1-0 lead.

Powers and PC added to the scoreline with goals of their own early in the second half.

In the 53rd minute, Powers scored his first Orlando City goal after being traded to the team late last season. During this season’s MLS schedule, Powers has made only one appearance for two minutes but was sure to capitalize on a starting opportunity against Miami United.

Kljestan, once again, was a part of the scoring action. He sent in a speedy, low cross to Powers the top-middle of United’s box, as Powers used his left foot for the lead-doubling goal.

Nine minutes later, Kljestan earned his second assist, and PC, too, earned his first goal in purple. Pressure by Pinho forced the United turnover, as Kljestan pounced on the ball. He, then, delivered a soft, leading pass to PC into the box for a hard-hitting finish.

Center back Jonathan Spector made his return to the pitch since suffering his second head injury of the 2018 season in a 3-2 win over the Portland Timbers back on April 8. He manned the back line with newly turned center back Tony Rocha, as Spector played only 45 minutes.

First-year Lions center back Chris Schuler, who suffered a broken arm in a 2-1 loss to the Chicago Fire on May 26, played in place of Spector for the final 45 minutes.

Who’s Next?

The Lions, now, will travel to Canada for two games. Orlando City will first play Vancouver Whitecaps FC (5-5-5, 20 points) on Saturday at 7 p.m. and will then travel to face the Montreal Impact (4-10-0, 12 points) on Wednesday at 7:30 p.m.

For more on the Lions, as they look to use an Open Cup victory for momentum in MLS play, follow Victor Tan on Twitter at @NDR_VictorTan.

To contact Victor, you can email him at vtan@newdayreview.com, or you can tweet at him.