📰 Toluca Edges Orlando City in Leagues Cup Thriller: Diablos Advance to Semifinals

 📰 Toluca Edges Orlando City in Leagues Cup Thriller: Diablos Advance to Semifinals

Carson, California — August 21, 2025
In a pulsating Leagues Cup quarterfinal clash at Dignity Health Sports Park, Mexican giants Deportivo Toluca FC narrowly defeated Orlando City SC to book their spot in the semifinals of the 2025 tournament. The match, which marked the first-ever meeting between the two clubs, delivered high drama, tactical intensity, and moments of brilliance.

⚽ First Half: Tactical Chess Match
The opening 45 minutes saw both teams probing cautiously. Toluca’s Paulinho tested Orlando’s defense with a long-range effort, while Martín Ojeda and Ivan Angulo led Orlando’s counterattacks. Despite several near-misses, the score remained 0–0 at halftime, with both sides showing defensive discipline and midfield control.

🔥 Second Half: Tempers Flare, Momentum Shifts
The second half began with increased aggression. Orlando’s David Brekalo received a yellow card for a reckless challenge, giving Toluca a dangerous set-piece opportunity. Eduard Atuesta and Robin Jansson worked hard to contain Toluca’s Helinho and Jesús Angulo, but the Diablos began to dominate possession and create more chances.

🎯 Decisive Moment
Toluca finally broke the deadlock in the 76th minute when Alexis Vega, returning to the starting lineup, curled a left-footed shot past Pedro Gallese after a slick one-two with Marcel Ruiz. Orlando pushed for an equalizer, with Luis Muriel and Marco Pašalić coming close, but Toluca’s backline held firm.

🛡️ Defensive Heroics and Final Whistle
Despite late pressure from Orlando—including a flurry of corners and a close-range header from Tyrese Spicer—Toluca’s goalkeeper Luis García made a crucial save in stoppage time to preserve the lead. The match ended 1–0, sending Toluca into the semifinals and ending Orlando’s spirited run.

📊 Match Stats Snapshot
| Category | Toluca | Orlando City SC | |--------------------|----------------|------------------| | Possession | 52.5% | 47.5% | | Shots on Goal | 1 | 1 | | Total Attempts | 14 | 4 | | Yellow Cards | 1 | 3 | | Corner Kicks | 10 | 4 |

🎙️ Post-Match Reactions
Toluca manager Antonio Mohamed praised his squad’s composure:

“We treated this like a final. The pressure was high, but the team responded with heart and discipline.”

Orlando coach Óscar Pareja remained optimistic:

“We showed character. This experience will fuel us for the MLS playoff push.”