STATS PREVIEW: Orlando City SC vs Philadelphia Union – 02.10.2024

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On Saturday, Orlando City SC showcased their resilience, bouncing back from our 4-3 defeat at Columbus Crew with an impressive 1-3 victory at FC Dallas. This win not only secured the Lions’ place in the 2024 MLS Cup Playoffs. It also marked the fifth consecutive season that Oscar Pareja has successfully guided Orlando City SC into the post-season – an accomplishment achieved every single year under his leadership! Truly, his track record speaks volumes, and it’s moments like these that remind us just how valuable his experience and vision have been.

Beyond this milestone, the victory was also historic, as it represented the first-ever time that Orlando City SC have won (and scored) away at FC Dallas. Goals from Ramiro Enrique, Rodrigo Schlegel, and Facundo Torres ensured a memorable night in Frisco, Texas. Ultimately, it was a performance that showcased both the depth and determination of the squad, underlining our intent to make a deep run in this year’s playoffs.

City currently sit fourth in the Eastern Conference with 46 points from 31 games played. For now, the Lions have reclaimed that all-important home field advantage for the Round One Best-of-3 Series in the 2024 MLS Cup Playoffs. However, with teams like New York City FC and New York Red Bulls still hot on our heels, our final three MLS regular season fixtures will be crucial. As Orlando City SC continue their quest for a top four finish, Pareja’s proven leadership will be more essential than ever.

As for Wednesday’s opponents Philadelphia Union, they’ve had a surprisingly underwhelming 2024 season by their usual high standards. Currently playing catch-up, they sit ninth in the Eastern Conference and occupy the final MLS Wild Card match slot, but only by goal difference. Jim Curtin’s side arrive at Inter&Co Stadium following a 1-1 draw with Atlanta United on Saturday where Saba Lobjanidze’s equaliser cancelled out Nathan Harriel’s well-taken opener. This was Union’s first draw in eight MLS games, but they’ve still managed to win five of their last eight in a late push for the playoffs.

Given Oscar Pareja’s combined 20 years at FC Dallas as a player, assistant coach, and head coach, Toyota Stadium was a special venue for Papi to secure post-season qualification with his new passion, Orlando City SC. By clinching our spot in the 2024 MLS Cup playoffs, Orlando City SC have become one of just three active MLS teams to reach the post-season in five consecutive seasons. I mean, should we ever doubt Papi in the regular season? With this mission accomplished, our focus now shifts to sealing a top four finish and building confidence ahead of another post-season challenge. In past years, rash decisions, hot-headedness, and red cards have been our downfall, so all eyes will be on Orlando City SC to see if we’ve truly learned from previous shortcomings in the playoffs. Continue reading

STATS PREVIEW: Philadelphia Union vs Orlando City SC – 11.05.2024

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Pain. Misery. Embarrassment. These are all words that unfortunately sum up Orlando City SC’s current plight. After Oscar Pareja’s side suffered a 0-1 loss to FC Cincinnati last Saturday, the pressure is mounting in a 2024 season that is quickly spiralling into a nightmare.

Conceding in just 17 seconds in FC Cincinnati’s very first attack of the game, the 0-1 result marked our fifth defeat of the MLS season, our third loss at home already, and our second home defeat in as many weeks.

To make matters ten times worse, Rodrigo Schlegel‘s colossal error and subsequent red card on 20 minutes left Orlando City SC supporters teetering between laughter and tears – such was the ridiculousness of Schlegel’s latest kamikaze error.

Now visiting Chester, Pennsylvania to take on Philadelphia Union, Jim Curtin’s side rescued a 2-2 draw at D.C. United last Saturday, fighting back from 2-0 down to salvage a point through veteran Alejandro Bedoya and a MLS goal of the season contender from Jack McGlynn. Continue reading

STATS PREVIEW: Philadelphia Union vs Orlando City SC – 25.03.2023

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Gameweek 4 was one to forget, and fast, for Oscar Pareja‘s Orlando City SC who suffered our first loss of the season – a bitterly disappointing 1-2 home defeat to bottom side Charlotte FC.

Coming just three days after our narrow 2023 CONCACAF Champions League elimination, there’s frustratingly more questions than answers right now, albeit at this early stage of the campaign. Continue reading

STATS PREVIEW: Orlando City SC vs Philadelphia Union – 10.05.2022

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After overcoming I-4 Derby rivals Tampa Bay Rowdies 2-1 in the third round of the 2022 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, Oscar Pareja‘s side now face a much tougher test in the Round of 32.

With current Eastern Conference leaders Philadelphia Union visiting Exploria Stadium, Union are the only opponent City have faced in the U.S. Open Cup twice, first in 2018 and secondly this Wednesday. Continue reading

STATS PREVIEW: Inter Miami vs Orlando City SC – 24.10.2020

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After the achievement of clinching qualification to the MLS Cup Playoffs for the very first time, Orlando City SC hit Florida’s Turnpike to visit in-state rivals Inter Miami.

With Toronto FC’s 1-0 win over Atlanta United sealing City’s passage to the post-season, Oscar Pareja‘s side will be craving a first ever victory at Inter Miami CF Stadium in Fort Lauderdale. Continue reading

STATS PREVIEW: Orlando City SC vs Inter Miami – 12.09.2020

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After drawing 1-1 with Atlanta United, Orlando City SC conclude the six-game regional resumption with Inter Miami’s first ever visit to Exploria Stadium.

A rivalry fixture, Oscar Pareja‘s side will want revenge after the Lions’ 3-2 defeat at Inter Miami CF Stadium only 21 days ago. Continue reading

STATS PREVIEW: Orlando City SC vs Nashville SC – 26.08.2020

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After losing 3-2 at Inter Miami, Oscar Pareja‘s Orlando City SC now return to Exploria Stadium for a first ever meeting with 2020 MLS new boys Nashville SC.

The first action at Exploria Stadium in 179 days, the Lions need to respond after a disappointing showing in Fort Lauderdale. Continue reading

#MLSisBack Tournament Group A preview with UK fan accounts

With under one week until the #MLSisBack Tournament kicks off at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, Orlando City UK caught up with some special guests.

Also making up Group A, I was joined by Fire Fans of the UK, Inter Miami UK, Nashville SC UK and UK NYCFC to preview the upcoming summer action. Continue reading