Last facing New York Red Bulls just 15 days before this game, Orlando City SC play the New Jersey side again, this time at their Red Bull Arena home.
Even in this short timeframe, there’s been a managerial change in Harrison with former Barnsley boss Gerhard Struber replacing interim head coach Bradley Carnell.
The charismatic Austrian head coach has gone 1-1-1 in his three games in charge of Red Bulls so far, experiencing all three kinds of result.
Fighting back against Eastern Conference leaders Toronto FC on Wednesday (1-1), 17-year-old prodigy Caden Clark has been the star of Struber’s short tenure so far.
Only announced to New York Red Bulls’ first team roster on October 10, Caden Clark scored a stunning goal at Atlanta United (0-1) on his first ever MLS start – the same day he signed!
If that wasn’t enough, the teenager also scored the equaliser against TFC in East Hartford – another special strike from outside the box.
With two goals in his first two MLS starts, he’s burst onto the scene similar to the way Daryl Dike did with three goals in his first two MLS starts.
But what of Orlando City SC?
Drawing 1-1 with New York City FC on Wednesday, Oscar Pareja‘s side started the game incredibly bright.
Welcoming back Ruan to the starting eleven, the Brazilian switched on the after-burners to set up a stunning Chris Mueller opener.
After controlling much of the first-half, the Lions looked disjointed and lost all momentum following Keaton Parks’ 43rd minute equaliser.
In the second-half, it looked as if the busy condensed MLS schedule caught up with both sides.
In a tired and fatigued affair, Brian Rowe deserves a special mention after he made a catalogue of point-saving stops.
His contributions helped extend Orlando City SC‘s unbeaten streak to 11 MLS games.
New York Red Bulls vs Orlando City SC – 2015/20 head-to-head stats
Last meeting earlier this month on October 3, Orlando City SC grabbed all three points in a 3-1 victory.
In reality, the scoreline could and should’ve been more handsome however.
With Daryl Dike and Júnior Urso goals putting the Lions in complete control by the 50th minute, City made life difficult for themselves.
Allowing a self-inflicted Florian Valot reply on 54 minutes, it temporarily looked as if Oscar Pareja‘s side might pay for not totally killing the game off.
Those fears were eased late in stoppage time however.
Breaking up the field, Antônio Carlos tapped a Benji Michel centre into an empty net, a goal that was temporarily held up due to video review.
It was the Brazilian’s first ever goal as an Orlando City SC player.
Orlando City SC 3 New York Red Bulls 1 – Highlights – October 3, 2020 (Credit: Major League Soccer)
Orlando City SC‘s recent 3-1 victory over Red Bulls dragged them to within one win of tying this Eastern Conference game series.
A series now twelve games deep, New York Red Bulls hold SIX victories to Orlando City SC‘s FIVE.
When these two sides meet, we rarely get draws with just ONE taking place since 2015 – a 1-1 draw at Red Bull Arena in May 2016.
The New York Red Bulls vs Orlando City SC game series has been one of the Lions’ most evenly fought so far.
Indeed, FOUR of the last SEVEN league head-to-heads have finished either 1-0 to the home side or 0-1 to the away side.
On Orlando City SC‘s last visit to Red Bull Arena, City achieved their first victory of 2019 where Sacha Kljestan returned to haunt Chris Armas’ side in a 0-1 smash and grab.
Slotting home a neat cross from João Moutinho in the 72nd minute, Orlando City SC scored at a crucial time and defended valiantly to take all three points back home to Central Florida.
New York Red Bulls 0 Orlando City SC 1 – Highlights – March 23, 2019 (Credit: Major League Soccer)
New York Red Bulls form
Red Bull Arena has been anything but an MLS stronghold in recent times.
Previously one of the most difficult venues to achieve a road victory, it’s been all too easy for visiting sides of late.
Since September, Red Bulls have lost home games to D.C. United (0-1), Philadelphia Union (0-3), FC Cincinnati (0-1) and Inter Miami (1-2).
With the only exception being a 4-1 win over Montreal Impact on September 27, Gerhard Struber’s initial task will be to address this alarming home form.
Going 3-0-4 at Red Bull Arena this season, we are yet to witness a single draw in Harrison, New Jersey.
Orlando City SC form
Not only are Orlando City SC undefeated at home this season, they’ve learned how to hang tough on the road too.
A winning formula for qualification to the MLS Cup Playoffs, City have only conceded THREE goals in their last FIVE road fixtures in MLS.
Drawing 0-0 at FC Dallas and 0-0 at Atlanta United, the Lions had chances to grab all three points from the latter game.
However, taking NINE points from FIVE consecutive road games is a huge improvement on what City have done away from home since 2015.
Atlanta United 0 Orlando City SC 0 – Highlights – October 7, 2020 (Credit: Major League Soccer)