Wilder Cartagena could have scarcely imagined a better time to score his first Orlando City SC. Just as his team’s final Leagues Cup group stage clash against Club Santos Laguna was heading to a decisive penalty shoot-out, the Peruvian defensive midfielder decided to venture into the box.
With a spot in the playoffs on the line, the closing stage of the game had seen end-to-end action. As the Florida team set off on the counter, Cartagena continued his run forward and was played through on goal by César Araújo. One-on-one with the goalkeeper, the Peruvian slotted home the winner with the confidence of a seasoned forward, prompting jubilant celebrations on and off the pitch.
The result means that Orlando City have topped the South 2 group, setting up an enticing Florida derby in the last 16 against Inter Miami CF which will notably see them take on Lionel Messi.
The Argentine has hit the ground running in his first couple of appearances in North American soccer. He scored a last-minute free-kick winner against Cruz Azul, before netting a double against Atlanta United FC four days later.
Following the arrivals of Messi and Sergio Busquets in Miami, Cartagena himself had spoken with anticipation about the prospect of facing the World Cup winners in MLS play next September. Now, the Peruvian international’s meeting with the two former Barcelona players - who have since been joined by Jordi Alba - will come sooner than expected.
“They’ve brought in some good players like Lionel Messi, Sergio Busquets and some other names, so it’s going to be nice. But we have a good team that’s united, we’re a family and we’re well-prepared. We know what we want and we’re going to fight for it”, the midfielder explained, as reported by Peruvian outlet _Depor_.
Cartagena will be hoping for a repeat of the result when the two teams met earlier this season - a 3-1 win for the visiting Orlando City SC side. This time, the Peruvian and his teammate will need to avoid being starstruck by the host of new Inter Miami stars if they’re to fight for a spot in the Round of 16.
