BAY LAKE – Philadelphia Union led Orlando City SC, but only for two minutes as the Lions came from behind for a 1-1 draw on Monday night.
The result means Orlando tops the group followed by the Union, both teams having already qualified for the knockout stages before kickoff. Winning the group means OCSC will face a third-placed team. At the moment DC United (Group C) would miss out so it would be either Sporting Kansas City (Group D) or FC Cincinnati (Group E).
Philadelphia opened the scoring in the 68th minute as Ilsinho made his impact off the bench. With space in the box, Ilsinho was able to finish from a tight angle.
Two minutes later, Orlando leveled the scores. Nani sent in a cross which found Mauricio Pereyra who headed home from point-blank range.
The first-half was tight, but neither side was able to create clear chances. Notably in the 28th minute, only a phenomenal save from goalkeeper Andre Blake denied Tesho Akindele. Akindele was seemingly running through for a goal, but Blake was quick off his line and got down to make the save.
Philly could have found the opener right before halftime as teenager Brenden Aaronsen found space to get a shot away but could only send it wide.
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Missing that chance means that Philadelphia finishes second, so it’ll face the second-placed team in Group C, currently New England Revolution. Still, if DC United wins on Tuesday night, the Revs will finish third, and DC will be the most likely opponent.
PHOTO COURTESY: Jared Martinez
Florida Soccer Report 
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