The New York Red Bulls will host Orlando City Soccer Club on Friday, Sept. 25 for the two teams’ second ever meeting. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. EDT and the match will be broadcast on UniMás.
New York Red Bulls
- Record: 14-8-6, 48 points, 1st in the Eastern Conference
- Previous Match: Win, 2-0 vs. Portland Timbers
- Record in Last Five Matches: 3-2-0
- Leading Goal Scorer: Bradley Wright-Phillips (14)
- Assist Leader: Sacha Kljestan (10)
- Saves Leader: Luis Robles (68)
Orlando City SC
- Record: 9-13-8, 35 points, 7th in the Eastern Conference
- Previous Match: Win, 1-0 vs. Chicago Fire
- Record in Last Five Matches: 2-2-1
- Leading Goal Scorer: Cyle Larin (11)
- Assist Leader: Luke Boden (4)
- Saves Leader: Tally Hall (68)
Scouting Orlando City
Although Orlando City arrive at Red Bull Arena on the back of a two-game win streak, one of which was away, the Lions have struggled on the road this year. Opponents have netted 34 goals against them when hosting, which is 67% of the goals they’ve conceded overall and amounts to an average of 2.27 goals conceded per away game. However, 6 of leading goal scorer Cyle Larin’s goals have come on the road, as have 4 of Kaká’s 9.
Orlando most often utilize an attacking 4-2-3-1 formation, although this has only amounted to 330 shots and 108 shots on goal for the Lions this season.
Players to Watch
Orlando City forward Cyle Larin’s talent and production has landed him a spot as one of MLS’ 24 Under 24, and he’ll be seeking to end his 9-game goalless draught in order to lift the Lions’ chances of making the playoffs. However, Brian Rochez has stepped up in the meantime, netting in each of Orlando’s last two matches. Brek Shea is also set to return after the birth of his child. These attacking forces will be up against Red Bulls defender Matt Miazga, who was also ranked in MLS’ 24 Under 24 and who has been immensely key in New York’s recent success, as well as goalkeeper Luis Robles, who recorded some remarkable saves against Portland.
Both the Red Bulls and Orlando City are looking forward to the return of their captains, as Dax McCarty missed the Red Bulls’ last game due to yellow card accumulation and international duty followed by a thigh injury kept Kaká out for OCSC’s previous three. Though the Red Bulls won their match without Dax and Orlando won 2 out of their 3, the importance of these two players cannot be understated. Kaka has scored 9 and assisted 4 of Orlando’s 37 goals. Dax’s presence is felt less on the scoreboard, where he holds 6 assists, and more in the leadership, rhythm, pace and control he sets in the midfield and spreads throughout the team.
