After a short, breathless, and exciting off-season of refreshment, anticipation fills the air as Oscar Pareja’s Orlando City SC kick off the 2025 Major League Soccer campaign.
Starting at home for an eleventh consecutive MLS season, City open against Philadelphia Union for the first time after our crushing 2024 Eastern Conference Final defeat to New York Red Bulls back in November.
Last time out
On November 30, Orlando City SC’s 2024 MLS Cup dream ended with a heartbreaking 0-1 loss to New York Red Bulls in our first-ever Eastern Conference Final. Despite an electric Inter&Co Stadium atmosphere, Andrés Reyes’ goal and missed chances proved decisive. With many top seeds eliminated, this felt like the Lions’ best-ever opportunity to win MLS Cup. With 2025 now here, optimism persists with no CONCACAF Champions Cup distractions and a talented roster, but Facundo Torres’ exit is sobering, marking a pivotal challenge as the Lions enter a new era without their talisman.
Last head-to-head
On October 2, Orlando City SC secured a 2-1 victory over Philadelphia Union at Inter&Co Stadium, completing a 2024 sweep over Jim Curtin’s side. With a top-four finish in sight, the team was focused on securing home field advantage for the 2024 MLS Cup Playoffs. The game saw Orlando City SC dominate the early possession, but we went into half-time level (0-0) after failing to register a shot on target. At half-time, Papi made a crucial change, bringing on Luis Muriel. His assist led to Facundo Torres’ 45th career goal, breaking the club’s scoring record. A second goal from Duncan McGuire secured the win, despite Philadelphia Union’s late surge, which included a goal from Quinn Sullivan. Orlando City SC’s defensive resilience ensured a 2-1 victory – our sixth consecutive home win and extending our unbeaten home streak to nine matches.
What’s at stake this time?
Starting strong in MLS sets the tone for the season, and Orlando City SC have a record to protect. Undefeated in our 10 previous season-opening fixtures at home, the Lions boast a 4-6-0 record. Last season’s opener saw us draw 0-0 with CF Montréal. After this, three consecutive MLS defeats followed, leaving head coach Oscar Pareja under pressure to deliver a much stronger start this time around. For both players and supporters, an opening day win builds belief and optimism, making the first match not just a game, but a foundation for a successful campaign.
Opposition danger men
🇭🇺 Dániel Gazdag (17 goals, 3 assists – 2024 MLS)
🇩🇰 Mikael Uhre (10 goals, 6 assists – 2024 MLS)
🇮🇱 Tai Baribo (9 goals, 2 assists – 2024 MLS)
New opposition faces
🇿🇦 Bradley Carnell (head coach)
🇦🇷 Ian Glavinovich (on loan from Newell’s Old Boys)
🇺🇸 Neil Pierre (Philadelphia Union II)
🇷🇸 Jovan Lukić (FK Spartak Subotica)
🇺🇸 Frankie Westfield (Philadelphia Union II)
🇺🇸 Eddy Davis III (Philadelphia Union II)
🇺🇾 Bruno Damiani (Nacional)
🇺🇸 Sal Olivas (Philadelphia Union II)
🇺🇸 Indiana Vassilev (St. Louis CITY SC)
Injuries
🇵🇪 Wilder Cartagena (right leg)
🇺🇸 Duncan McGuire (right shoulder)
Suspensions
None
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Orlando City SC vs Philadelphia Union
Last 3 head-to-heads
- June 21, 2023: Orlando City SC 2 Philadelphia Union 2 (MLS)
- May 11, 2024: Philadelphia Union 2 Orlando City SC 3 (MLS)
- October 2, 2024: Orlando City SC 2 Philadelphia Union 1 (MLS)
2015/24 head-to-head stats
- It was 2-1 to Orlando the last time the sides met (October 2024)
- Played Union 20 times in MLS – Orlando 7, Draws 5, Union 8
- Both sides have scored in 12 of the last 13 head-to-heads across all competitions
- Orlando are undefeated in all 10 of their MLS opening fixtures so far (4-6-0)
- Union have gone 2-5-3 in their last 10 MLS opening fixtures
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Watching the game
Orlando City SC vs Philadelphia Union will be shown live on Apple TV at 00:30 (GMT) on Sunday, February 23.
Remember, UK supporters can watch all of Orlando City SC’s 2025 MLS regular season fixtures by subscribing to Apple TV’s “MLS Season Pass”.
Subscribe now by clicking here.
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