STATS PREVIEW: Orlando City SC vs D.C. United – 06.07.2024

Embed from Getty Images

We are finally back to winning ways and not a moment too soon! In a must-win game under pressure, Orlando City SC came from behind to defeat Toronto FC 1-2 at BMO Field yesterday evening. Just as City supporters were getting that sinking feeling again following Derrick Etienne Jr.’s early fifth minute opener, the Lions bounced back with a Martín Ojeda equaliser and a Nicksoen Gomis own goal.

This result, coupled with Atlanta United’s 2-1 loss to New England Revolution last night means that Orlando City SC have now climbed level on points (21) with both Toronto FC and The Five Stripes. With TFC having played one more game (22) than City and Atlanta, the Lions are currently placed tenth in the Eastern Conference, just outside the MLS Wild Card match qualification slots by goal difference. Fortunately, we still have 13 regular season games remaining to right the ship, climb the standings, and seal an automatic qualification spot for the 2024 MLS Cup Playoffs.

Now hosting D.C. United after two quick-fire road games, City urgently need to improve their home form and turn Inter&Co Stadium back into a fortress as we head down the stretch. If we play to our potential, we should be able to defeat D.C. too. After all, Troy Lesesne’s side are currently bottom of the Eastern Conference (20 points) after suffering a nine-game winless streak, losing six times in this poor run. D.C.’s most recent defeat came last night at Audi Field where they lost 2-3 to FC Cincinnati. Both Christian Benteke and Troy Lesesne were absent due to one-game suspensions too.

Saturday’s game against D.C. will also see Orlando City SC honour Brazilian icon and the team’s first captain, Kaká, as the first-ever Legends’ Terrace inductee. As part of the Lions’ 10th season in Major League Soccer, the 2002 FIFA World Cup winner and 2007 Ballon d’Or winner will be celebrated at Legends Night: Kaká, a theme night where Kaká will be inducted in front of City supporters in a post-game ceremony. Continue reading

STATS PREVIEW: Orlando City SC vs D.C. United – 22.04.2023

 Embed from Getty Images

After lots of bye week deliberation time following our 1-2 Nashville SC defeat on April 1, Oscar Pareja‘s Orlando City SC bounced back with a much-needed 1-2 road victory at Minnesota United last Saturday.

Achieving a comeback win against legendary former City head coach Adrian Heath, second-half goals from Iván Angulo and Duncan McGuire sealed a super satisfying victory at Allianz Field. Continue reading

STATS PREVIEW: Orlando City SC vs D.C. United – 04.07.2022

Embed from Getty Images

After achieving our highest high of 2022, a 6-5 penalty shootout win over Nashville SC in the 2022 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup quarter-finals (1-1 A.E.T.), it’s now back to MLS action.

On July 4 weekend, Orlando City SC now welcome D.C. United to Exploria Stadium for the Eastern Conference duo’s first league meeting this year. Continue reading

STATS PREVIEW: Orlando City SC vs D.C. United – 02.10.2021

Embed from Getty Images

After heroically rescuing a two-goal deficit at Nashville SC (2-2), Orlando City SC return to Exploria Stadium for a must-win fixture against D.C. United following a tough three-game road streak.

Now sitting perilously above the red line by just two points, seventh-placed City have just 7 regular season games remaining to reach the 2021 MLS Cup Playoffs. Continue reading