ORLANDO, Fla. — Facundo Torres scored a late equalizer in the 12th minute of stoppage time, ultimately leading to a dramatic 1-1 draw for Orlando City against Charlotte FC, followed by a decisive 4-1 victory in the penalty shootout. This thrilling matchup took place as part of the deciding game in their best-of-three first-round series for the MLS Cup on Saturday night.

Neither team found the back of the net until the 81st minute when Charlotte’s Karol Swiderski broke the deadlock, scoring his first goal in postseason play during only his fourth playoff appearance. Rookie Liel Abada assisted Swiderski, marking his first assist in the playoffs.

Orlando City managed to equalize when Torres capitalized on a rebound off a penalty kick that was initially saved by Charlotte’s goalkeeper, Kristijan Kahlina. Torres, who has made seven playoff appearances so far, has scored both of his postseason goals in this tournament.

In the shootout, Pedro Gallese stood strong, saving two penalties from Pep Biel and Karol Swiderski to give his team an advantage, adding another impressive performance to his tally in this ninth postseason start for Orlando City.

During the shootout, Luis Muriel, Kyle Smith, Torres, and Rafael Santos successfully converted their attempts in succession, completing Orlando’s remarkable comeback.

Kahlina, the Charlotte goalkeeper also had a notable performance with five saves in his fourth postseason start, while both keepers traded saves during a first half that ended scoreless.

With this victory, Orlando City has advanced and will face either the top-seeded Inter Miami or the No. 8 seed Atlanta United in the upcoming Eastern Conference semifinal.