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There’s another break from league play this Wednesday evening as Orlando City SC travel to D.C. United in the 2018 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Round of 16.

The first game since Jason Kreis parted company with the club on Friday, Bobby Murphy will take charge of the Lions at Maryland SoccerPlex.

The fifth consecutive away game Orlando City SC have contested, the squad is fatigued and downbeat right now but this game represents a chance to reach the last eight in the cup.

Last reaching the quarter-final stage in our inaugural MLS season in 2015, members of this Orlando City SC squad have plenty to prove to both themselves and interim head coach Bobby Murphy.

While reaching the 2018 MLS Cup Playoffs is still Orlando City SC‘s priority this season, there is definitely no harm in giving our all in the 2018 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup.

Enduring a run of six straight defeats in Major League Soccer, the Lions’ next victory can’t come soon enough and is much needed for morale and belief during a difficult moment.

As for our opponents D.C. United, Ben Olsen’s side have endured a poor season so far in MLS and sit at the foot of the Eastern Conference on 10 points.

While it’s true that the Black and Red have played the fewest amount of games (12) in the East, D.C. United will be going all out for the cup given their current league struggles.

Still hoping to conclude a deal for Wayne Rooney, not to mention unveiling their brand new Audi Field home next month, there is still much to look forward to for D.C.

2015/17 head-to-head stats

Looking at recent head-to-head statistics in MLS, there is room for optimism for Orlando City SC.

Winning THREE of our last FOUR games against D.C. United, the other game was a draw when we last faced Ben Olsen’s side in the very first game of this season.

With a last gasp Stéfano Pinho equaliser salvaging a 1-1 draw on that occasion at Orlando City Stadium, D.C. are a side we’ve largely enjoyed facing.

Orlando City SC 1 D.C. United 1 – Highlights – March 3, 2018 (Credit: Orlando City SC)

Indeed, Orlando City SC are slightly edging this game series over in Major League Soccer with FOUR victories to D.C. United’s THREE.

Both franchises have plenty to prove in the increasingly competitive Eastern Conference with D.C. United owners Erick Thohir and Jason Levien still hoping to pull off a marquee deal for Wayne Rooney in the near future.

With his potential transfer plus the impending relocation to Audi Field, D.C. United are another side set to improve over the next few seasons so Orlando City SC cannot afford to stand still.

This was certainly proved last week when the axe fell on Jason Kreis’ reign.

D.C. United form

D.C. United had to go the distance to reach the last 16 of the 2018 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup.

Indeed, nothing could separate Ben Olsen’s side from USL opponents North Carolina FC after extra time in the fourth round.

Despite a valiant effort from the minor league team after 120 minutes (1-1), D.C. United didn’t blink first in the penalty shootout, prevailing 4-3 from the spot.

D.C. United advances past North Carolina FC in the 2018 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup – June 6, 2018 (Credit: DCU TV)

Orlando City SC supporters will remember the name Darren Mattocks considering the Jamaican international striker was a constant threat in our 2018 home opener.

In fine form right now, the 27-year-old has scored in each of D.C. United’s last FOUR consecutive fixtures in Major League Soccer.

Currently enjoying his debut season as a D.C. United player, Darren Mattocks has seven MLS goals to his name so far this season.

Orlando City SC form

The furthest Orlando City SC have gone in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup since being an MLS franchise was back in our inaugural 2015 season.

Bowing out to Chicago Fire at the quarter-final stage three years ago, the Lions exited the cup at this Round of 16 stage a season later in 2016.

Suffering an embarrassing 1-2 defeat to Fort Lauderdale Strikers at Camping World Stadium after extra-time, we hope to go further this year.

Comfortably beating NPSL side Miami United FC in the fourth round this year, a cup run could do wonders for our current morale.

After all, the 2018 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup winner qualifies for the group stage of the CONCACAF Champions League.

Miami United FC 0 Orlando City SC 3 – Highlights – June 6, 2018 (Credit: VamosDeportes)