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Requiring extra-time to finally overcome New England Revolution 2-1 in the Round of Last 16, Orlando City SC now host 2015 expansion rivals New York City FC in the quarter-final stage of the 2019 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup.
This is the fourth time the Lions have reached the last eight since first being established as a USL side in 2011 and this game represents a huge opportunity to reach a first ever semi-final.
At the sharp end of any cup competition, home advantage is crucial and Orlando City SC will hope their fans pack out Exploria Stadium for this showdown with their most familiar MLS opponent.
Orlando City SC‘s progression to the quarter-final stage has been impressive.
The Lions professionally swatted aside USL Championship side Memphis 901 FC in the fourth round (1-3) before digging deep in extra-time to score not one but two killer goals beyond New England Revolution (2-1).
Still looking to punch a first ever ticket to the MLS Cup Playoffs, Orlando City SC are caught in the mid-season dilemma of sustaining their best form for our cup run too.
Now just three games away from winning the 2019 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup with subsequent qualification to the CONCACAF Champions League, Lions supporters would love to claim their first silverware since our days in USL.
With these riches on offer, you’d imagine that James O’Connor will field his strongest side possible with the Irishman having respected the cup since his days spent at Louisville City.
Nevertheless, this game falls in the midst of a gruelling run of nine fixtures in just 32 days so some rotation may be required.
This is not to mention the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup ruling that states teams must not have more than five international players listed on their team sheets.
2015/19 head-to-head stats
Last meeting at Yankee Stadium in April, Orlando City SC left The Bronx feeling like they could and probably should’ve stolen all three points.
An impressive performance from the Lions, James O’Connor‘s side started well with Nani opening the scoring in the eighteenth minute.
Orlando City SC thought they had a 0-2 advantage just 14 minutes later but VAR ruled out a Tesho Akindele strike.
Héber equalised in the 51st minute but after that, Dom Dwyer really should’ve made our 2015 MLS expansion rivals pay.
Paying for a lack of ruthlessness on the day, Dwyer somehow managed to miss an open net from six yards out with just over 20 minutes to go.
However, his well-placed header at Philadelphia Union on Sunday should do wonders for his morale going forward.
New York City FC 1 Orlando City SC 1 – Highlights – April 27, 2019 (Credit: New York City FC)
New York City FC are Orlando City SC‘s most familiar opponent having faced The Pigeons more than any other Major League Soccer side to date.
Facing the side from the Big Apple FOURTEEN times previously, there is complete mirror imagery across the wins, draws and losses spectrum with FIVE victories each.
With both 2015 expansion rivals each sharing three head coaches since entering MLS, everything is tied up right now despite there being lots of roster turnover over the past four-and-a-half seasons.
This quarter-final meeting represents the first ever time Orlando City SC has faced New York City FC in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup.
Orlando City SC 2 New York City FC 2 – Highlights – March 2, 2019 (Credit: Major League Soccer)
The bad news for Orlando City SC heading into this crucial last eight clash is the fact they have failed to beat New York City FC in the last SIX league head-to-heads.
With Orlando City SC‘s last MLS victory over NYCFC coming way back in April 2017, a Cyle Larin brace helped the Lions to a 1-2 victory at Yankee Stadium.
NYCFC have gone 4-2-0 against Orlando City SC since then so James O’Connor‘s side will have to break this streak if they are to realise a place in the 2019 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup semi-finals.
Orlando City SC form
Orlando City SC supporters haven’t witnessed a home league victory at Exploria Stadium since May 19 where James O’Connor‘s side crushed Eastern Conference strugglers FC Cincinnati 5-1.
Sure, we beat New England Revolution (2-1 A.E.T) in the Round of Last 16 but with City losing THREE of our last FOUR Major League Soccer fixtures at home, the Lions just haven’t been able to put a winning streak together in Central Florida this term.
With the exception of the 0-2 loss to Toronto FC, there was plenty of effort in the home games against LA Galaxy (0-1) and Philadelphia Union (1-3) but a lack of ruthlessness and ill-discipline cost us on those occasions.
Failing to defend the fortress consistently enough this season, Orlando City SC have to play with less anxiety in their game to progress beyond a New York City FC side who’ve got better as 2019 has progressed.
Orlando City SC 1 Philadelphia Union 3 – Highlights – July 3, 2019 (Credit: Major League Soccer)
New York City FC form
As we mentioned, Domènec Torrent has really got to grips with the head coach role in New York City FC with The Pigeons currently fifth in the Eastern Conference standings.
Struggling after first succeeding Patrick Vieira, the Spaniard has enjoyed a fine 2019 so far with NYCFC having only lost two league games to Toronto FC (4-0) back on March 29 and Portland Timbers (0-1) on Sunday.
Not only have New York City FC proven a tough nut to crack at Yankee Stadium but also on the road too.
Unbeaten in their last SIX away fixtures in Major League Soccer, Orlando City SC will have to bring their A-game to progress to the semi-final stage.