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: Orlando City SC vs Philadelphia Union – 21.06.2023

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Defeated 3-1 at New England Revolution, the hectic mid-season schedule heats up with Orlando City SC returning home to face Philadelphia Union at Exploria Stadium this Wednesday.

Comfortably beaten by the better side in Foxborough, Massachusetts, the Revs are now undefeated in their last 10 MLS head-to-heads with City who saw their six-game unbeaten streak ended by well-taken Emmanuel Boateng, Gustavo Bou and Carles Gil second-half goals. Continue reading

STATS PREVIEW: Orlando City SC vs Philadelphia Union – 23.07.2022

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After drawing 1-1 at rivals Atlanta United, and then facing Arsenal in a glamour friendly in between, Orlando City SC are back in MLS action as they welcome Philadelphia Union to Exploria Stadium.

Despite going three MLS games unbeaten, some sections of the City fanbase are growing increasingly frustrated at Oscar Pareja‘s tactics and an inability to kill games off in what is proving an inconsistent 2022 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: Philadelphia Union vs Orlando City SC – 19.09.2021

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Losing 2-4 to CF Montréal and finishing the game with 9 men, Oscar Pareja‘s Orlando City SC need to arrest a two-game losing streak away at Philadelphia Union.

Visiting Subaru Park with difficult away trips to New England Revolution and Nashville SC thereafter, Orlando City SC must hang tough to avoid slipping down the Eastern Conference. Continue reading

STATS PREVIEW: Orlando City SC vs Philadelphia Union – 22.07.2021

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Far from our best at Toronto FC but fighting back to earn a road point (1-1), Oscar Pareja‘s Orlando City SC now face Philadelphia Union at Exploria Stadium.

It’s the first of three home fixtures in just 13 days. A crucial stage of the season, it’s now time to solidify our positioning near the top of the Eastern Conference. Continue reading