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After our disappointing 1-2 home loss against Adrian Heath’s Minnesota United, Jason Kreis’ Lions now embark on their first road game of 2018 – a trip to face New York City FC at Yankee Stadium.
Taking on our 2015 MLS expansion rivals for the tenth time, both sides are incredibly familiar with one another, none more so than Jason Kreis who’s coached both franchises.
Having only won three away fixtures in the whole of 2017, Orlando City SC are fully aware that a drastic improvement is required to stand any chance of making the 2018 MLS Cup Playoffs.
While both teams enjoyed busy winter transfer periods, particularly the Lions, Patrick Vieira is still the man in charge of NYCFC and is well on his way to earning a glowing reputation as a Major League Soccer coach.
Reaching the post-season twice, in contrast to Orlando City SC’s zero, NYCFC have unfortunately fared better than us in the three MLS seasons elapsed.
NYCFC lost talented English midfielder Jack Harrison to parent club Manchester City – and consequently Middlesbrough on loan – this off-season but Orlando City SC must keep tabs on exciting new Paraguayan arrival Jesús Medina.
Then there is of course David Villa, still fully capable of taking any team in MLS apart despite playing in the final chapters of his career at 36-years-old.
As for Orlando City SC, Sacha Kljestan will likely make his Lions debut after serving his two-game suspension that carried over from 2017 – and what a venue to debut at!
Having made 97 MLS appearances for NYCFC’s bitter cross-river rivals New York Red Bulls between 2015 and 2017, Sacha Kljestan will certainly be in for a frosty reception at Yankee Stadium.
2015/17 head-to-head stats
The last time Orlando City SC faced New York City FC, the three points disappointingly went to the men from the Big Apple!
Prior to this victory, NYCFC were yet to record a win in Central Florida with a 1-1 draw, 2-1 loss and another 1-0 loss the prior results.
Finally beating us in our own back yard at the fourth attempt, there must be added spice for Jason Kreis in this one given the fact he was sacked by NYCFC following the conclusion of their 2015 inaugural season.
Orlando City SC 0 New York City FC 3 – Highlights – May 21, 2017 (Credit: Major League Soccer)
Looking at this particular game series as a whole, it makes for good reading for Orlando City SC supporters.
While we’d all love to have reached the MLS Cup Playoffs, something NYCFC have achieved twice, Orlando City SC have been the more successful 2015 expansion franchise in head-to-heads.
Registering FIVE victories to New York City FC’s TWO, it’s worth noting that two of these wins came at Yankee Stadium!
New York City FC versus Orlando City SC fixtures have been tight encounters in recent times.
After all, FIVE of the last SEVEN Major League Soccer head-to-heads have been separated by a single goal.
Taking a stroll through yesteryear, an incredibly sweet victory was the Lions’ slender 0-1 triumph over New York City FC at Yankee Stadium in March 2016.
A game where Cyle Larin scored early in the seventh minute, Orlando City SC produced a rare road shutout with Tommy Redding putting in an outstanding performance to frustrate David Villa.
Holding onto leads has been something Orlando City SC have really struggled with in MLS so far but this occasion proved different.
New York City FC form
When assessing New York City FC’s home form, it makes for pretty formidable reading.
Patrick Vieira’s side are undefeated in THIRTEEN of their last FOURTEEN home fixtures in Major League Soccer.
This long stretch began after a 1-2 defeat to which team? That’d be Orlando City SC who were victorious at Yankee Stadium back on 23rd April 2017.
Orlando City SC form
Head-to-head wise, Orlando City SC don’t have anything to fear when facing New York City FC.
Although we lost the most recent fixture to Patrick Vieira’s men, Orlando City SC have won FIVE of their last SEVEN head-to-heads with NYCFC.
We already mentioned about the sweet 0-1 road victory at Yankee Stadium in March 2016 but what about our special result to kick-start 2017?
Starting life at Orlando City Stadium with all three points, a solitary Cyle Larin goal gave the Lions all the bragging rights in our 2017 opener, followed by a 1-2 win at Yankee Stadium in April 2017.
Orlando City SC 1 New York City FC 0 – Highlights – March 5, 2017 (Credit: Major League Soccer)
As far as MLS away venues go, the tight confines of Yankee Stadium have proved a happy hunting ground for Orlando City SC so far.
Undefeated in THREE of our FOUR MLS visits to the Bronx, a last gasp equaliser from Kevin Molino stole three points from NYCFC’s grasp in an incredibly exciting finish in May 2016’s 2-2 draw.
Two nil down after 67 minutes, goals from Júlio Baptista and then Molino completed a rousing comeback for Orlando City SC.
New York City FC 2 Orlando City SC 2 – Highlights – May 29, 2016 (Credit: New York City FC)