Following Orlando City SC‘s 2-1 loss at Seattle Sounders on Wednesday, James O’Connor‘s Lions contest their third game in just seven days against FC Cincinnati.
Returning to Orlando City Stadium after a tough two-game road streak, there is a must win feel about this first ever MLS head-to-head with the Orange and Blue.
Struggling in their first ever Major League Soccer campaign, FC Cincinnati controversially parted ways with their successful USL head coach Alan Koch earlier this month with Yoann Damet in interim charge.
With 11 points from 12 games so far, just a single point less than Orlando City SC, the Orange and Blue did arrest a five-game losing streak with a morale boosting 2-1 victory over Montreal Impact at Nippert Stadium last weekend.
Benefitting from a full week’s rest as opposed to Orlando City SC, James O’Connor is likely to reintroduce those who were rested for the Seattle Sounders game.
This includes the likes of Robin Jansson, Jhegson Méndez and Ruan but it will be interesting to see who remains in the starting lineup following the gruelling 3,110 mile trip back from Washington state to Central Florida.
Excuses aside, Orlando City SC will be glad to return to their grass surface at Orlando City Stadium having faced two consecutive games on artificial turf at Mercedes-Benz Stadium and CenturyLink Field.
With Nani left at home for these away assignments due to calf inflammation, the expectation is that the UEFA Euro 2016 winner will be reintroduced for this crucial fixture.
Having already surrendered 10 points to Eastern Conference rivals at home this season, Orlando City SC really need to be winning more home games if they are to stand any chance of reaching the 2019 MLS Cup Playoffs.
Head-to-head stats
This fixture will represent the first time that Orlando City SC and FC Cincinnati have faced each other in Major League Soccer.
The clubs bear similarity in the fact they were both successful in USL, drawing attention-grabbing crowds and making headlines before rebranding for MLS.
Making an impression in your inaugural season is tough, especially in an ever-competitive Eastern Conference but the way in which they parted ways with Alan Koch earlier this month seemed mightily harsh.
Pulling the plug far earlier than Orlando City SC did in the case of Adrian Heath, there’s no doubt the Orange and Blue’s Front Office is trying to run, potentially before they can walk.
Orlando City SC form
Prior to the Lions’ 0-2 home loss to Toronto FC on May 4, Orlando City SC had strung two consecutive home victories together against Colorado Rapids (4-3) and Vancouver Whitecaps (1-0).
Defeating Western Conference rivals who’ve made the long trip down to Central Florida is great but James O’Connor‘s side really need to steal more home points from Eastern Conference rivals.
After all, they provide the direct competition in reaching the post-season.
Giving up 10 points to New York City FC (2-2), Montreal Impact (1-3), D.C. United (1-2) and Toronto FC (0-2) so far, we really need to start making Orlando City Stadium the fortress it was intended to be.
With home crowds struggling in recent times, the Lions need to pull their weight on the field to ensure the casual fans keep on coming back.
In Major League Soccer campaigns prior to this one, we’ve witnessed Orlando City SC contest a plethora of high scoring encounters.
But just over a third into 2019, the Lions have primarily been involved in low scoring affairs with the exception of New York City FC (2-2), Montreal Impact (1-3) and Colorado Rapids (4-3).
With UNDER 2.5 GOALS being scored in FOUR of Orlando City SC‘s last FIVE league fixtures, the Lions are giving themselves a chance in games but are unfortunately still falling short.
James O’Connor‘s side are really lacking a regular goalscoring threat right now and until we address that issue, it’s going to prove mightily tough to climb the Eastern Conference standings.
Seattle Sounders 2 Orlando City SC 1 – Highlights – May 15, 2019 (Credit: Seattle Sounders FC)
FC Cincinnati form
The good news for Orlando City SC is that FC Cincinnati have travelled poorly in Major League Soccer so far.
Only picking up ONE victory from SEVEN away fixtures contested so far, Yoann Damet’s side have lost their last FOUR consecutive road games.
Despite having to play their third MLS fixture in just seven days, Orlando City SC should be well aware of this fact and aim to make it difficult for the Ohio side early on.
San Jose Earthquakes 1 FC Cincinnati 0 – Highlights – May 4, 2019 (Credit: Toronto FC)
Better still for Orlando City SC, FC Cincinnati have failed to score in their last FOUR consecutive away fixtures in Major League Soccer.
When you’re not scoring, it’s pretty darn difficult to pick up draws and FC Cincinnati have been suffering from a lopsided roster with Fanendo Adi and Darren Mattocks their only recognised out-and-out centre forwards.
Following Adi’s demeanours, and subsequent ban, earlier this season, FC Cincinnati have been awfully short up top despite their collection of quality wide options including Allan Cruz, Roland Lamah, Kekuta Manneh and Kenny Saief.
Philadelphia Union 2 FC Cincinnati 0 – Highlights – May 1, 2019 (Credit: Toronto FC)