LAKE BUENA VISTA -- Orlando City continued its historic run in the MLS is Back Tournament, taking down Minnesota United 3-1 on Thursday night.

Nani scored two first-half goals to give the Lions the lead. They had to hold on in the dying minutes after Minnesota pulled within one, repelling several attempts at goal. In stoppage time, Orlanod City was able to clear the ball and find Benji Michel on a breakaway. He deftly evaded the goal keeper and scored the final goal to send the Lions to the final.

Orlando City, who finished third from the bottom of the standings in last year's season and has never made the MLS Cup Playoffs in its five years in the league, are the surprise of the tournament and playing with confidence on their former home field at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex.

"It has so far been difficult times for us," Orlando City coach Oscar Pareja said. "But the players just put all the excuses away and then just kept going and going and I think they’re happy. They’re playing with confidence."

The Lions have not lost in the tournament, winning twice and taking a draw in the group play round. Their tournament run went from nice story to Cinderella run thanks to a penalty kick-shootout win over tournament favorite LAFC in the quarterfinal. Nani, who scored the game-winning penalty kick, carried that over into the semifinal.

His second goal came off a free kick and bent around the keeper in what might be the best goal of the tournament.

The storyline entering the game focused on Orlando City playing its former coach Adrian Heath. Heath took over Minnesota United after the Lions fired him in 2016. Heath led the Lions to two championships in USL Pro before the team jumped to MLS. He struggled ot help the team find the same success.

Orlando City had not defeated Minnesota United in three previous tries with Heath as head coach. Heath has always said Orlando and Orlando City hold a special place for him in his career.

That probably does not lessen the sting for the Lions' former manager.

Orlando City moves on to the MLS is Back Tournament final on Tuesday against the Portland Timbers.

Spectrum Sports staff contributed to this report.