ORLANDO, Fla. _ After Orlando City upset LAFC in the quarterfinals, captain Nani had a simple message for the rest of the league _ "pay attention to our team with good eyes."
On Thursday night, with all eyes on his team facing Minnesota United in the semifinals, Nani delivered again. The Lions' captain tore apart the Loons' defense, netting a pair of highlight-reel goals that looked as if they were lifted from his days dominating the Premiere League.
The resulting 3-1 victory marked a momentous night for Orlando City under new coach Oscar Pareja.
The Lions, who have never previously earned an MLS playoff berth, earned a spot in an MLS tournament final match for the first time.
Minnesota United gave the Lions trouble early in the match, but Orlando City broke out of the Loons' high press to force back-and-forth action throughout the first half. The game changed completely after the first-half water break as the Lions claimed a two-goal lead in less than 10 minutes.
In the 36th minute, centerback Robin Jansson smashed a booming kick from one box to the other. Nani trapped the ball to the ground with his first touch and a little magic, muscling off a defender and hop-skipping into the box to strike the ball between keeper Tyler Miller's outstretched legs.
Minutes later, Nani trapped another pass at the top of the box in transition. With more time to play with, Nani danced around his defender for a moment before sending a searing strike curling around Miller. As his teammates descended on him in a roar of cheers, Nani shrugged off their hugs for his signature celebration _ a round-off back handspring.
The match became a tougher defensive battle for the Lions in the second half, but the backline continued to smother Minnesota's push to chip away at the lead. Mason Toye scored in the 83rd minute, but goalkeeper Pedro Gallese weathered the pressure to help secure the victory. He finished with two saves on 17 shots.
Striker Benji Michel closed the door on a Minnesota comeback in the final minute of stoppage time, streaking down the field in transition, dodging Minnesota's goalkeeper and net a final goal on an empty net.
It released pressure built up during the final 10 minutes when the Loons controlled possession and pushed hard for an equalizer.
Instead, Minnesota United coach Adrian Heath picked up his first loss against the club he helped build and Orlando City beat Heath's Loons for the first time in club history.
The Lions are expected to be at full strength entering the championship match with the exception of one player. Striker Dom Dwyer suffered a season-ending knee injury earlier in the tournament. But striker Chris Mueller seemed to have no issues against Minnesota after suffering a shoulder injury against LAFC in the quarterfinals.
Orlando City will face off against the Portland Timbers in the tournament final on Tuesday. The match will kick off at 8:30 p.m. and will air on ESPN.
