An MLS shootout ended in wild fashion with a goalie sent off, a defender saving a penalty, and an overexcited manager — and it has to be seen to be believed
- Orlando City and New York City FC saw out a crazy penalty shootout in the MLS Cup playoffs on Saturday.
- Orlando's goalkeeper was first sent off after coming off his line, before his replacement was barred from entering the field.
- A defender then stepped up and eventually saved what he thought was the final kick, however celebrations were stopped when it turned out there was still one more to go.
- Orlando did eventually win the insane shootout, however, which you can watch in its full glory below.
A crazy penalty shootout in the MLS Cup playoffs between Orlando City and New York City FC saw a goalkeeper sent off, his replacement blocked from entering the field, and an outfield player eventually save the winning spot kick.
After seeing out a tense 1-1 draw at the Exploria Stadium, Florida on Saturday, the game went to penalties, and Orlando thought it had won the tie after goalkeeper Pedro Gallese appeared to have made the match winning save.
However, after a review from the video assistant referee (VAR), Gallese was adjudged to have come off his line early.
Not only was the penalty retaken, Gallese was sent off after picking up a second yellow card.
Orlando coach Oscar Pareja celebrated the initial save by running down the touchline before disappearing into the changing rooms, resulting in a member of staff having to go and fetch him to tell him the game was not yet over.
Pareja then sent on replacement goalkeeper Brian Rowe, however just before the penalty could be re-taken, the 32-year-old was sent back to the stands by the referee because Orlando had already used all of its permitted substitutions.
Defender Rodrigo Schlegel stepped up and took the goalie gloves, but couldn't keep out the penalty. Orlando's former Manchester United star Nani then missed his penalty, meaning the shootout went to sudden death.
Schlegel then miraculously saved the first of the sudden death spot kicks, at which point he and the rest of the Orlando team celebrated what they thought was victory for the second time.
Wrong again — Orlando still needed to score one more to win. Fortunately, striker Benji Michel lashed home the actual winner to bring the drama to an end.
If we're honest, no written description can ever do the madness justice, so its best just to watch the video below (prepare to make lots of shocked noises):
Immediately after the win, Orlando released a special edition goalkeepers jersey with Schlegel's name on the back, which fans can buy for $150 on the club's website.
"Look what we have here," the club tweeted. "We got a new goalkeeper kit in stock."
Orlando will now play either the New England Revolution or the Philadelphia Union in the playoff semifinals.
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