Back on August 9, Orlando City SC suffered their first-ever penalty shootout defeat as an MLS club to Cruz Azul (4-5 on penalties – 0-0 at full-time) in the Round of 32 stage of the 2024 Leagues Cup. Having previously won nine consecutive shootouts over a nine-year span, Oscar Pareja’s Orlando City SC have had two full weeks to stew over their elimination. But now, the Lions return to MLS action with a cross-conference trip to Sporting Kansas City.
Prior to the league’s controversial one-month hiatus, the Lions drew 1-1 with New York City FC. This left us seventh in the Eastern Conference with 34 points, hanging onto the final automatic qualification spot for the 2024 MLS Cup Playoffs. Right now, we are just three points behind sixth-placed Charlotte FC (37 points) and four points clear of eighth-placed Toronto FC (30 points) who have played one more game (26) than City.
With only nine regular season fixtures remaining, Orlando City SC entered the Leagues Cup break full of momentum and confidence, riding a five-game unbeaten streak. It’s crucial for the team to pick up where they left off to increase our distance from the red line and aim for a position higher than seventh, securing a more favourable Round One Best-of-3 series in the 2024 MLS Cup Playoffs.
In exceptional form since July, Ramiro Enrique’s goal against New York City FC marked his fourth consecutive MLS game with a goal. This was before grabbing two more consecutive goals in the 2024 Leagues Cup – a prolific 6 in 6 streak which is now a new club record. Grabbing his big opportunity with both hands, Enrique’s goals made up for the absence of first-choice striker Duncan McGuire who was away with the USMNT U-23 side at the 2024 Summer Olympics.
As for Saturday’s opponents Sporting Kansas City, Peter Vermes’ side also bowed out of the 2024 Leagues Cup at the Round of 32 stage, losing 4-0 at Columbus Crew. SKC went into the tournament break having gone 2-2-1 in their last five MLS games, drawing 1-1 against St. Louis CITY SC last time out in the league.
Last time out
Prior to the 2024 Leagues Cup break, Orlando City SC and New York City FC shared the spoils in a 1-1 draw at Inter&Co Stadium.
On 52 minutes, Ramiro Enrique continued his red hot goalscoring form, netting for the fourth straight match.
But frustratingly, a defensive error allowed Hannes Wolf to equalise for NYCFC just five minutes later.
On the night, Oscar Pareja made just one change to the team that triumphed over Nashville SC 0-3, with Nicolás Lodeiro starting in place of Facundo Torres who had a slight thigh issue.
El Cuervo came on as a half-time substitute, joining his compatriot César Araújo.
Prior to gameday, the Uruguayan duo were formally honoured for reaching 100 Orlando City SC appearances across all competitions.
This major milestone was achieved on June 22 by Facundo Torres and on June 28 by Araújo.
In the first-half, neither team created clear cut chances due to the heat and the fatigue of each playing their third match in eight days.
The first notable moment came on 17 minutes when Martín Ojeda’s cross to Ramiro Enrique resulted in a weak attempt.
NYCFC’s Alonso Martinez tested Pedro Gallese from distance on 23 minutes, but El Pulpo was thankfully up to the task.
Martín Ojeda almost set up Ramiro Enrique again on 27 minutes, but Tincho’s pass was just out of reach.
After a hydration break, Hannes Wolf took a dangerous shot that Pedro Gallese managed to save.
Shortly after, Iván Angulo had a chance on goal, but Matt Freese came up with a crucial save.
At half-time, Orlando City SC led in possession (57% to 43%) and shots (4-2), but NYCFC had the edge in shots on target (2-1), corners (1-0), and passing accuracy (87% to 86%).
After Facundo Torres replaced Nicolás Lodeiro at half-time, NYCFC had the first clear chance of the second-half when Santiago Rodríguez fired over the bar on 47 minutes.
But five minutes later, Orlando City SC found the breakthrough!
In fortuitous circumstances, Ramiro Enrique deflected Martín Ojeda’s shot past Matt Freese, giving the Lions a precious 1-0 lead.
Dancing with Iván Angulo in celebration, Ramiro Enrique’s purple patch has been incredibly timely.
His goals have not only addressed the gap left by Duncan McGuire’s absence on a personal level but have also been crucial for our team’s push towards a playoff spot.
But frustratingly, NYCFC quickly responded, capitalising on a Wilder Cartagena error to equalise through Hannes Wolf on 57 minutes.
NYCFC almost took the lead on 62 minutes, but Mitja Ilenič thankfully missed the target.
From here, Orlando City SC continued to press with Facundo Torres and Ramiro Enrique both forcing saves from Matt Freese.
Looking back, the match was very physical with NYCFC committing 20 fouls and receiving four yellow cards compared to Orlando City SC’s 11 fouls and one yellow.
On 75 minutes, Rafael Santos recovered from a mistake to block Santiago Rodríguez’s shot.
As for Wilder Cartagena, he nearly redeemed himself with a powerful long-range effort that whistled just wide on 83 minutes.
But instant replays confirmed that Matt Freese got a glove to the shot, impressively tipping it round his right hand post while injuring himself in the process.
Among all the goalkeepers in Major League Soccer, Freese has undoubtedly been one of the best this year.
If Wilder Cartagena’s shot had gone in, it would’ve been a fitting strike to win the game.
Especially after bamboozling Maxi Moralez with a skilful flick in the build-up.
Orlando City SC dealt with NYCFC’s set-piece threats in the closing stages, and in the final moments of stoppage time, substitute Luis Muriel had a chance to win it for the Lions.
However, Matt Freese easily saved Muriel’s weak shot.
Unfortunately, our Colombian Designated Player continues to underperform in what has been a really disappointing debut season.
The Lions finished with advantages in possession (55% to 45%), shots (12-8), and shots on target (5-3), while corners were even (5-5).
NYCFC had a slight edge in passing accuracy at 85% to 84%.
While The Pigeons brought Orlando City SC’s four-game winning streak to a halt, the Lions did extend their unbeaten streak to five matches.
Last head-to-head
The last time that Orlando City SC faced Sporting Kansas City in MLS was way back on April 23, 2021.
On the night, Nani’s nonchalant back-heeled finish in the 78th minute secured a point at Children’s Mercy Park.
This result ensured that Oscar Pareja’s Lions remained unbeaten through our first two regular season games of 2021.
On another day, Orlando City SC might’ve returned from SKC with all three points after bossing large periods of the game.
With 60% possession to Sporting Kansas City’s 40%, the Lions breached John Pulskamp’s goal twice before Nani’s leveller.
Unfortunately, both Benji Michel and Andrés Perea’s strikes were correctly ruled out for offside.
The frustration from this game stemmed from Gianluca Busio’s opener, which resulted from Pedro Gallese’s far too casual clearance in goal.
While the goal came against the run of play, the Orlando City SC defence endured several nervy moments playing out from the back in the first-half.
What’s at stake this time?
Right now, Orlando City SC are crucially in seventh place and the last automatic qualification spot for the 2024 MLS Cup Playoffs.
At the moment, City are just three points behind sixth-placed Charlotte FC and four points ahead of eighth-placed Toronto FC.
By defeating fierce rivals CF Montréal (0-1) to win the Canadian Classique, TFC gained two points on Orlando City SC who could only draw to NYCFC (1-1).
But significantly, Toronto FC have played one game more (26) than Orlando City SC (25).
While Orlando City SC still have more work to do in our remaining nine regular season fixtures, we’ve done well to put ourselves back in contention for a fifth consecutive post-season appearance.
Hopefully, we can now defeat SKC to extend our unbeaten streak to six games, further solidifying our position above the red line.
While Orlando City SC have struggled to win consistently at home, we have a better grasp of things on the road.
After all, there are just two MLS teams who have secured more away points than Orlando City SC (21) right now.
Indeed, only FC Cincinnati (28) and Inter Miami (26) have accumulated more points away from home this season.
Officially the best MLS team on the road last season (9-4-4 = 31 points), it’s been great to see Orlando City SC get back to being their pesky, savvy, and bothersome best on the road!
The Lions just need to figure out their poor home form having only taken 13 points from a possible 36 at Inter&Co Stadium (3-4-5).
This is shockingly the second-worst home record in MLS, with only wooden spoon holders San Jose Earthquakes having earned fewer home points (10).
Last but not least, Oscar Pareja shared a humorous anecdote during his New York City FC post-match press conference.
Papi said that he was celebrating his 28th wedding anniversary with his wife on the same night as the game, joking that she had gifted him his now-famous plain white t-shirt with the Orlando City SC crest.
This shirt has become an in-joke within the Orlando City SC community as Oscar Pareja started wearing it during our five-game unbeaten streak in MLS.
Soccer players and coaches are known for being superstitious, so let’s hope this lucky white t-shirt continues to bring good fortune as we head down the stretch!
Opposition danger men
When it comes to Sporting Kansas City danger men, striker Willy Agada is top of the list!
Sporting Kansas City’s leading goalscorer this MLS season with nine goals, Agada is outshining the disappointing Alan Pulido.
Joining SKC from Hapoel Jerusalem in June 2022, the Nigerian’s biggest attributes are his physical strength, clinical finishing, and ability to hold up play.
Willy Agada is also inevitable when he starts at home.
As of July 28, across all competitions, the 24-year-old had scored 20 goals in 20 home starts at Children’s Mercy Park.
This is a remarkably consistent record and bad news for Orlando City SC indeed!
Elsewhere, Johnny Russell is still producing the goods for SKC at the age of 34.
Calling Children’s Mercy Park home since January 2018, the former Scottish international currently has four goals and four assists so far this MLS season.
Typically deployed on the right wing where he can cut in on his favoured left foot, club captain Russell is renowned for his speed, tenacity, and leadership skills.
Then there’s German midfielder Erik Thommy who has five goals and three assists this MLS season.
With an absolute wand of a right foot, Thommy has an eye for the spectacular and isn’t afraid to shoot from distance.
New opposition faces
Since the clubs’ last MLS meeting in April 2021, Sporting Kansas City’s roster has undergone some upheaval, but not loads.
Sure, Peter Vermes had to replace some veteran quality, bidding farewell to longtime stars like Roger Espinoza, Ilie Sánchez, and Graham Zusi.
Not to mention exciting young talent Gianluca Busio who is still in Italy with Venezia.
However, SKC’s 2023/24 off-season saw little activity, as they only brought in Canadian left back Zorhan Bassong, free agent Memo Rodríguez, and young goalkeeper Ryan Schewe.
Their 2022/23 off-season was much busier with Stephen Afrifa, Robert Castellanos, Danny Flores, Tim Leibold, Nemanja Radoja, Chris Rindov, and Dany Rosero all arriving at Children’s Mercy Park.
Of these players, 23-year-old Canadian winger / striker Afrifa is Sporting Kansas City’s fifth highest scorer this MLS season with three league goals.
Most recently, Sporting Kansas City signed Spanish centre back Joaquín Fernández from Trabzonspor on August 13.
Injuries, returnees, new signings, and suspensions
Heading into this game, Jack Lynn (right lower leg) and Mason Stajduhar (right lower leg) are definitely out for the Lions.
But Orlando City SC now have Duncan McGuire available again after representing the USMNT U-23 side at the 2024 Summer Olympics.
Returning on August 4, McGuire came on as a second-half substitute in Orlando City SC’s 2024 Leagues Cup match against Atlético de San Luis.
With the score tied 1-1 at full-time, Duncan McGuire converted his penalty kick in the shootout with the Lions prevailing 5-4 and winning the East 2 group in turn.
Now that McGuire’s future has been settled, he can focus on helping City secure a spot in the 2024 MLS Cup Playoffs.
And as we head down the stretch, Orlando City SC are looking mighty strong in attack.
After all, Ramiro Enrique has scored in six of his last seven appearances for Orlando City SC (six goals – MLS and 2024 Leagues Cup).
Seizing his big opportunity in Duncan McGuire’s absence, Enrique’s club record scoring streak has seen Luis Muriel become our third choice striker.
Elsewhere, new signings Heine Gikling Bruseth and Yutaro Tsukada are both fit and should be in contention for this game.
As for Sporting Kansas City, Robert Castellanos (hamstring), Felipe Hernández (not due to injury), and Nemanja Radoja (groin) are definitely out while Memo Rodríguez (quad) is questionable.
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Sporting Kansas City vs Orlando City SC
Last 3 head-to-heads
- August 14, 2019: Orlando City SC 1 Sporting Kansas City 0 (MLS)
- September 23, 2020: Sporting Kansas City 1 Orlando City SC 2 (MLS)
- April 23, 2021: Sporting Kansas City 1 Orlando City SC 1 (MLS)
2015/21 head-to-head stats
- It was 1-1 the last time the sides met (April 2021)
- Played SKC 7 times in MLS – SKC 2, Draws 2, Orlando 3
- Four of 7 MLS head-to-heads have been separated by ONE goal
- SKC’s Willy Agada has scored 17 goals in his last 17 MLS regular season home starts
- Ramiro Enrique has scored in 6 of his last 7 appearances for Orlando (6 goals – MLS and 2024 Leagues Cup)
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Watching the game
Sporting Kansas City vs Orlando City SC will be shown live on Apple TV at 01:30 (GMT) on Sunday, August 25.
Remember, UK supporters can watch all of Orlando City SC’s 2024 MLS regular season fixtures by subscribing to Apple TV’s “MLS Season Pass”.
Subscribe now by clicking here.
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