Man, how frustrating was that FC Cincinnati game? 😑 After our sore 1-2 home defeat, we need to bounce back fast. Despite bossing possession and creating chances late on, a costly error and missed opportunities saw Pat Noonan’s side grab all three points. With the race in the East so tight, there’s little margin for error right now.
Next up, Orlando City SC visit North Carolina to face Charlotte FC. Going 1-2-1 at Bank of America Stadium in MLS, we’ll aim to complete a 2025 season sweep following May’s 3-1 win at Inter&Co Stadium. Dean Smith’s side are in a tailspin, having lost three straight in league play. With 14 regular season games to go, this is a chance we have to capitalise on given Charlotte’s poor form.
Last time out
Last Saturday, Orlando City SC lost 1-2 at home to FC Cincinnati in a super frustrating match. A cagey, tactical contest between two sides on short rest, the Lions fell behind in first-half stoppage time when Evander’s free-kick snuck past Pedro Gallese at his near post. It was a costly misjudgement from El Pulpo, especially so close to half-time. The classy Evander struck again on 74 minutes to double the visitors’ lead, and although Marco Pašalić pulled one back late on with a powerful finish, it proved too little, too late. Despite bossing possession (59%) and outshooting Cincy 17-9, we couldn’t make our dominance count. Ramiro Enrique and Luis Muriel both threatened in a frantic finale, but the best chance fell to David Brekalo, who sent a golden opportunity over the bar on 90+9 minutes. An agonising miss, the final whistle sounded just two minutes later. It was a disappointing end to our two-game winning streak – and a reminder of the fine margins at the top of the Eastern Conference.
Last head-to-head
On May 14, Orlando City SC found their groove in a 3-1 win over Charlotte FC at Inter&Co Stadium. Luis Muriel, Martín Ojeda, and Ramiro Enrique got on the scoresheet, with City dominating large spells and limiting the visitors to just one shot on target. The victory extended our unbeaten streak to an impressive TEN league games (4-6-0). Muriel scored early, Ojeda smashed in his eighth goal of the season, and Enrique’s calm finish sealed the win late on. Wilfried Zaha’s first-half goal was the only blemish on an otherwise disciplined defensive display. David Brekalo impressed at left back, assisting both Muriel’s and Enrique’s goals. With Justin Ellis also making his MLS debut late on – and on his 18th birthday, no less – the night was full of positives.
What’s at stake this time?
Last weekend, we missed the chance to break into the top three in the East. But there’s no time to feel sorry for ourselves. The 1-2 loss to FC Cincinnati not only snapped our two-game win streak but reignited questions around Oscar Pareja’s record in big games – especially against elite Eastern Conference opposition. Sure, we look like a solid playoff team, but we still aren’t genuine Supporters’ Shield contenders. And that’s the glass ceiling we seem incapable of breaking. Fifth in the standings, we’re still within reach but in need of a response. Defeating Charlotte FC 3-1 on May 14, completing a 2025 sweep is the aim – and a must if we want to silence the doubters. Currently tenth on 25 points, Charlotte are reeling from three straight MLS defeats, most recently a 3-2 loss at Chicago Fire. The pressure’s on, and the spotlight will be firmly on Pedro Gallese as he looks to bounce back from his costly error last weekend.
Opposition danger men
🇪🇸 Pep Biel (6 goals, 8 assists – 2025 MLS)
🇮🇱 Liel Abada (5 goals, 2 assists – 2025 MLS)
🇮🇱 Idan Toklomati (3 goals, 2 assists – 2025 MLS)
Injuries
🏴 Nathan Byrne (neck) – out
🇨🇮 Souleyman Doumbia (hamstring) – out
🇺🇸 Andrew Privett (groin) – questionable
🇵🇪 Wilder Cartagena (right leg) – SEI
🇫🇷 Joran Gerbet (thigh) – out
🇺🇸 Duncan McGuire (shoulder) – out
🇯🇵 Yutaro Tsukada (knee) – SEI
*SEI – Season-Ending Injury List (Unavailable)
Suspensions
🇨🇮 Wilfried Zaha – one game (yellow card accumulation)
International call-ups
🇺🇸 Patrick Agyemang (USMNT) – 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup
🇺🇸 Tim Ream (USMNT) – 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup
🇺🇸 Alex Freeman (USMNT) – 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup
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Charlotte FC vs Orlando City SC
Last 3 head-to-heads
- November 1, 2024: Charlotte FC 0 Orlando City SC 0 (3-1 on penalties) (2024 MLS Cup Playoffs)
- November 9, 2024: Charlotte FC 1 Orlando City SC 1 (4-1 on penalties) (2024 MLS Cup Playoffs)
- May 14, 2025: Orlando City SC 3 Charlotte FC 1 (MLS)
2022/25 head-to-head stats
- It was 3-1 to Orlando the last time the sides met (May 2025)
- Played Charlotte 10 times in MLS – Charlotte 2, Draws 2, Orlando 6
- Charlotte have only scored 2 goals in the last 5 MLS head-to-heads
- Charlotte have conceded 2 or more goals in their last 9 MLS fixtures
- Marco Pašalić has scored in Orlando’s last 2 MLS fixtures (3 goals)
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Watching the game
Charlotte FC vs Orlando City SC will be shown live on Apple TV at 00:00 (GMT) on Sunday, July 6.
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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