The goalkeeper sees red during penalty kicks – the defender becomes a hero

Orlando defeats New York City in what are arguably the craziest penalties of recent years and moves into the MLS playoff semifinals. A defender with goalkeeper gloves becomes a great hero.

The drama takes its course as New York’s Valentin Castellanos gets to the point. He is the fifth scorer on his team and as his teammate Maxi Moralez was the only player to miss earlier, Castellanos must score to keep his team in play.

But Orlando’s goalkeeper Pedro Gallese dismisses the penalty. Big cheers from the winners, disappointed faces in New York City. Orland coach Óscar Pareja jubilantly snaps into the locker room, but has to be brought back. Because the thriller isn’t over yet. Gallese left his line too soon and the penalty must be repeated. Also, goalkeeper Orlando sees the yellow card. And since he already had one, there is red!

Orlando sends goalkeeper Brian Rowe into the field. This has long been in goal, but the referee is still waiting until he allows penalties again. Because his video assistants probably pulled out the rule book and noticed that no changes are allowed during penalty kicks. Rowe must leave the field again and defender Rodrigo Schlegel in goal. Finally, Castellanos strikes again.

Then it will be the turn of Nani, former Portuguese international and Manchester United winger. And Nani really fails. All in balance again. After two more successful shooters, it’s Gudmundur Thorarinsson’s turn for New York. And it’s as it should: Rodrigo Schlegel, the Argentine defender with gloves and a sensational name, parry! Benji Michel then clarifies everything and still secures Orlando’s ticket to the playoff semifinals. Wow!