Are you not entertained? Recency bias aside, I think we just witnessed one of Orlando City SC’s most complete MLS performances, dismantling an unbeaten D.C. United side (1-3-0) with a dominant 4-1 victory at Inter&Co Stadium. On Javier Otero’s first MLS career start, the Lions were ruthless in attack, with Luis Muriel, Martín Ojeda, and Marco Pašalić continuing their fine form. For the first time in club history, all three of our Designated Players scored in the same game – making Facundo Torres’ absence feel surprisingly manageable. What is this sorcery? Am I dreaming?
Having scored the most goals (13), yet conceded the second-most goals (11) across MLS this season, City now head cross-country to face defending MLS champions LA Galaxy in Carson, California. This is a matchup that could have been the 2024 MLS Cup Final! But Greg Vanney’s side are experiencing a shocking title defence, sitting winless (0-2-3) after five games. Most recently, they salvaged a late 2-2 draw at Minnesota United, but the Lions will be looking to capitalise on their shaky form.
Last time out
Last Saturday, Orlando City SC thumped unbeaten D.C. United (1-3-0) 4-1 at Inter&Co Stadium – our second straight four-goal home victory. Luis Muriel opened the scoring with a well-placed header from an Alex Freeman assist, and Martín Ojeda doubled our lead with a deflected strike before half-time. City’s attack looked rampant as our Designated Players continued their impressive form, boasting the best DP production in MLS through Matchday 4 and now Matchday 5, with Luis Muriel (2 goals, 3 assists), Martín Ojeda (3 goals, 3 assists), and Marco Pašalić (4 goals, 1 assist) making us forget Facundo Torres’ winter exit. The second-half started strong, with Freeman scoring his second goal of the season from an Ojeda free-kick. Our young star continues to shine, becoming City’s second-youngest player to record a goal and an assist in a single match at 20 years and 225 days old. Minutes later, the Lions produced one of their best-ever team goals, with Muriel, Ojeda, and Pašalić combining excellently for a stunning fourth. On his first MLS career start, Javier Otero impressed too but lost his deserved clean sheet to Lukas MacNaughton’s late goal, while City twice hit Kim Joon Hong’s post and could have easily scored more.
Last head-to-head
On March 25, 2023, Orlando City SC secured a crucial 2-0 victory over LA Galaxy at Inter&Co Stadium. Under pressure after three consecutive home defeats, Oscar Pareja’s Lions responded with a confident display. Ercan Kara opened the scoring in the 38th minute, prodding home Iván Angulo’s cross before controversially shushing The Wall in celebration. Early in the second half, Facundo Torres doubled City’s lead, slotting past Jonathan Klinsmann to seal the win. Martín Ojeda was a constant threat, testing Klinsmann multiple times. Managing the game well, City ended their losing streak and climbed to eighth in the Eastern Conference.
What’s at stake this time?
With a five point gap to Eastern Conference leaders Philadelphia Union, Orlando City SC will be eager to secure their first road win of 2025 – and with our attacking form, there’s every reason to believe we can. City’s frontline looks more fluid and free than ever, with Luis Muriel, Martín Ojeda, and Marco Pašalić all thriving. Muriel, in particular, has looked rejuvenated this season, silencing some of his critics with impactful performances unrecognisable from last season. At the other end, Javier Otero is only just getting started, but his 6 ft 6 in frame and cross-claiming ability suggest we have a reliable backup whenever Pedro Gallese is away on international duty with Peru. With LA Galaxy struggling to find their footing this season, this is a prime opportunity for the Lions to make a statement on the road at Dignity Health Sports Park.
Opposition danger men
Gabriel Pec (16 goals, 14 assists – 2024 MLS)
Joseph Paintsil (10 goals, 10 assists – 2024 MLS)
Christian Ramirez (2 goals, 0 assists – 2025 MLS)
New opposition faces
Harbor Miller (Ventura County FC)
Zanka (Anderlecht)
JT Marcinkowski (San Jose Earthquakes)
Ascel Essengue (Ventura County FC)
Elijah Wynder (Louisville City)
Lucas Sanabria (Nacional)
Christian Ramirez (Columbus Crew)
Matheus Nascimento (on loan from Botafogo)
Injuries
Mauricio Cuevas (hamstring) – out
John Nelson (thigh) – questionable
Riqui Puig (knee) – out
Marco Reus (knee) – out
Lucas Sanabria (collarbone) – out
Wilder Cartagena (right leg) – SEI
Favian Loyola (thigh) – out
Nicolás Rodriguez (thigh) – out
Yutaro Tsukada (knee) – SEI
*SEI – Season-Ending Injury List (Unavailable)
Suspensions
None
International returnees
David Brekalo (Slovenia)
Pedro Gallese (Peru)
Colin Guske (USMNT U-18)
Harbor Miller (USMNT U-18)
Rubén Ramos Jr. (USMNT U-20)
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LA Galaxy vs Orlando City SC
Last 3 head-to-heads
- May 24, 2019: Orlando City SC 0 LA Galaxy 1 (MLS)
- March 19, 2022: LA Galaxy 0 Orlando City SC 1 (MLS)
- April 29, 2023: Orlando City SC 2 LA Galaxy 0 (MLS)
2015/23 head-to-head stats
- It was 2-0 to Orlando the last time the sides met (April 2023)
- Played Galaxy 7 times in MLS – Orlando 4, Draws 0, Galaxy 3
- 4 of the last 5 MLS head-to-heads have been separated by one goal
- Christian Ramirez has scored in Galaxy’s last 2 MLS fixtures (2 goals)
- Orlando have scored the most goals (13), yet conceded the second-most goals (11) across MLS this season
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Watching the game
LA Galaxy vs Orlando City SC will be shown live on Apple TV at 03:30 (GMT) on Sunday, March 30.
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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