Exquisite Nani goals help Orlando City reach final of MLS tournament
When it mattered most, Nani delivered.
The Portuguese star scored twice in Orlando City's 3-1 semifinal win over Minnesota United on Thursday, guiding the Lions into the final of the MLS is Back Tournament. With the victory, Orlando will now meet the Portland Timbers in the competition's showpiece match on Tuesday.
Nani found the net with a pair of excellent efforts in the opening stanza, including a stunning curling shot just before halftime that gave Oscar Pareja's side a 2-0 lead heading into the break.
NANI AGAIN!!! 🎯 pic.twitter.com/EEeS272nwQ
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) August 7, 2020
Nani scored two goals in the first half of a club match for the first time since 2010, when he was a member of Manchester United.
Minnesota made things interesting when Mason Toye halved the deficit in the 83rd minute. But Benji Michel ensured there would be no late comeback, cementing the result with a third goal for Orlando in the final seconds of stoppage time.
After several disappointing seasons, Orlando will now play in its first final since the club's MLS debut in 2015.
The winner of Tuesday's match will earn a berth in the 2021 CONCACAF Champions League.