Losing 2-4 to CF Montréal and finishing the game with 9 men, Oscar Pareja‘s Orlando City SC need to arrest a two-game losing streak away at Philadelphia Union.
Visiting Subaru Park with difficult away trips to New England Revolution and Nashville SC thereafter, Orlando City SC must hang tough to avoid slipping down the Eastern Conference.
On Wednesday night, the first all-civilian SpaceX rocket ship launched from nearby Cape Canaveral.
With the historic launch visible from the commentary booth at Exploria Stadium, Orlando City SC unfortunately did nothing to launch their own standing in the East.
It was truly a night to forget for the Lions. In truth, there hasn’t been too many of these under Oscar Pareja.
Now unbeaten in their last FIVE MLS regular season visits to Orlando, CF Montréal are still the boogeyman.
Looking back, Nani‘s reckless red card on 35 minutes (0-1) was pivotal in surrendering three points at home.
Already booked, Nani foolishly tripped Djordje Mihailovic in his own half before Rubiel Vazquez showed him red.
Already trailing to Mathieu Choinière’s 18th minute opener, the trip was very silly – especially given Nani‘s experience.
After the game, Oscar Pareja apologised to the City fans for the performance.
If you ask us, this should’ve been Nani apologising. After all, Romell Quioto doubled CF Montréal’s lead just two minutes later.
Compared to Atlanta United away (3-0), the only real positive was that Orlando City SC showed fight and heart to tie an unlikely 0-2 deficit.
Fighting back through first ever Robin Jansson and Ruan goals, Orlando City SC were eventually worn down playing a man light in Nani‘s absence.
Firstly, Lassi Lappalainen (73rd minute) and Sunusi Ibrahim (80th minute) goals burst the Lions’ bubble. After that, Andrés Perea‘s late straight red card rubbed salt in the wounds.
With both Nani and Perea now set for suspensions with three difficult road games to come, it’s tough for City fans to take.
Even more so considering this two-game losing streak has coincided with Orlando City SC actually getting most of their players back fit.
With Pedro Gallese and Daryl Dike now back in the fold, we hoped for an upturn in fortunes – not a downturn.
Right now, qualification for the 2021 MLS Cup Playoffs is by no means a formality for Orlando City SC who’ve sat second for most of 2021.
Rivals Atlanta United and Inter Miami have hit form and are sneaking up the Eastern Conference, among others.
With 10 MLS regular season games remaining, Orlando City SC cannot afford any complacency. We need to stay strong to reach the post-season and achieve a home game seeding.
In the four home games remaining, it’s crucial that both die-hard and casual Orlando City SC supporters turn up and stand together in roaring the team towards the post-season.
Philadelphia Union vs Orlando City SC – 2015/21 head-to-head stats
Orlando City SC last faced Philadelphia Union July 22. Oscar Pareja‘s side won a hard-fought game 2-1.
Kick-off was delayed an hour at Exploria Stadium due to inclement weather. However, Orlando City SC remained laser-focused.
Orlando City SC achieved an early breakthrough in only the tenth minute.
Benji Michel expertly dispatched a defence-splitting Mauricio Pereyra assist before an ice cool, stare down celebration.
Just before the hour mark, things got even better. Andrés Perea headed home a Nani cross for his first ever goal at Exploria Stadium.
On 68 minutes, Kacper Przybyłko reduced the deficit to one goal. However, the Lions held firm for their first win in four MLS games.
Orlando City SC 2 Philadelphia Union 1 – Highlights – July 22, 2021 (Credit: Major League Soccer)
With that July 22 win over Jim Curtin’s side, Orlando City SC now trail Philadelphia Union by just ONE victory.
Familiar Eastern Conference foes, the number of Philadelphia Union vs Orlando City SC / Orlando City SC vs Philadelphia Union fixtures stands at THIRTEEN.
A super competitive game series, Orlando City SC will tie it with all three points at Subaru Park.
Orlando City SC have enjoyed the better of the last SIX MLS head-to-heads.
Including the #MLSisBack Tournament Group A meeting, the Lions are unbeaten in FIVE of the last SIX MLS head-to-heads.
Winning TWO and drawing THREE of these games, this is no mean feat.
Given how consistent Union have been over the past few seasons, Orlando City SC have stifled them well.
Philadelphia Union 1 Orlando City SC 1 – Highlights – July 20, 2020 (Credit: Major League Soccer)
Philadelphia Union form
Since August, Philadelphia Union’s MLS home games at Subaru Park have been low scoring affairs.
Jim Curtin’s side played New York City (1-0), CF Montréal (1-1), and New England Revolution (0-1).
All THREE fixtures saw UNDER 2.5 GOALS scored. As such, Orlando City SC will need to be at their fluid, attacking best.
Mauricio Pereyra will need to bring his A-game to unlock a Union backline with the second best defensive record in the East.
Philadelphia Union 0 New England Revolution 1 – Highlights – September 3, 2021 (Credit: Major League Soccer)
Orlando City SC form
Orlando City SC‘s amazing comeback victory (1-2) at rivals Inter Miami seems a long, long while ago now, right?
This June 25 victory was actually the last time that Orlando City SC picked up all three points on the road.
Since then, the Lions haven’t won their last SIX road games. City have lost THREE and drawn THREE in this streak.
With the chasing pack closing in, Orlando City SC can’t just rely on home games for victories in the fixtures that remain.
…
Don’t forget, Philadelphia Union vs Orlando City SC will be shown LIVE on Sky Sports Football at the early time of 21:00 (GMT) on Sunday evening.
You can view our TV Fixture Tracker by clicking here.
GOOD NEWS 📺 | @PhilaUnion 🆚 @OrlandoCitySC is LIVE on @SkySports Football (🔴 button) at the early time of 9PM on Sunday evening. 😬🦁👏🏽
VIEW TV TRACKER 📺: https://t.co/KV9JvpAA0o#OCTwitter #PHIvORL #DOOP #OrlandoCity #VamosOrlando #MLSUK pic.twitter.com/UMPq8nhbFQ
— Orlando City UK 🎗 (@Orlando_CityUK) September 16, 2021