Chris Mueller's two early goals were enough for Orlando City to defeat New York City FC 3-1 in a Group A match of the MLS is Back Tournament near Orlando on Tuesday.

Orlando City (2-1-1, 7 points) has won its first two group matches ahead of a game vs. Philadelphia on Monday, putting the club on pace to qualify for the knockout round. The Lions have won consecutive MLS games for the first time since the 2018 season.

New York City (0-4-0, 0 points) is 0-2-0 in the tourney with a final group match against Inter Miami scheduled for Monday.

Mueller scored in the fourth and 10th minutes before Jesus Medina got NYCFC's first goal of the season in the 38th minute, ending the drought at 308 minutes.

Tesho Akindele extended the lead to 3-1 in the 81st minute with a header off a save by Sean Johnson after a shot by Benji Michel.

Four minutes prior, Orlando goalkeeper Pedro Gallese made consecutive saves on Keaton Parks and Valentin Castellanos to preserve the lead.

Mueller is the first player to score twice in the first 10 minutes of an MLS match since Cristian Penilla (fourth and seventh) did it for New England against Toronto FC on May 12, 2018.

The opening goal for Mueller came courtesy a curling free kick by Joao Moutinho. Mueller stuck out his right foot to redirect the pass.

Mueller got his fourth goal of the season with his left foot. He had five goals in 29 games (16 starts) last season.

New York City's defense got stretched and Ruan found space down the right flank before whipping a pass into the box to Dom Dwyer, who headed the ball back toward the right post.

Mueller brought the ball down with his right, took a dribble around Johnson and slipped the ball past him.

Medina made it 2-1 with a chested pass from Heber and a left-footed volley from just outside the box.

--Field Level Media