New York Red Bulls
· Record: 7-6-5, 26 points, third place in Eastern Conference
· Previous Match: Win, 4-1 vs. New England Revolution
· Record in Last Five Matches: 3-2-0
· Leading Goal Scorer: Bradley Wright-Phillips (8)
· Assist Leader: Bradley Wright-Phillips (6)
· Saves Leader: Luis Robles (40)
Orlando City SC
· Record: 6-7-6, 24 points, fifth place in Eastern Conference
· Previous Match: Loss, 2-0 at FC Dallas
· Record in Last Five Matches: 2-2-1
· Leading Goal Scorer: Kaká (9)
· Assist Leader: Pedro Ribeiro, Eric Avila, Rafael Ramos, Kaká (2)
· Saves Leader: Tally Hall (30)
ÂÂÂScouting Orlando City
Orlando City, MLS’ newest franchise, has surprised many this season with a strong performance right off the bat. Head coach Adrian Heath has utilized a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Brazilian star Kaká playing in the center midfield role.
Kaká has been as good as advertised, leading the team with nine goals and being the catalyst of many other attacking plays. His absence from the match in Dallas last weekend was noticeable for Orlando. With Kaká serving a one-game suspension, the team was unable to gain momentum offensively and were shutout 2-0 at Toyota Stadium. Another Orlando City player will sit out this week, as defender Luke Boden will be suspended for this game after seeing two yellow cards in the game vs. FC Dallas.
Orlando has posted a 3-4-3 home record in front of an average crowd of 34,000, good for second in MLS. The Lions have several options up front that could do some damage. In addition to Kaká, they have forward Cyle Larin who has put six balls in the back of the net this year. Larin has seen time in the Gold Cup for Canada, but returned to Orlando this week. Pedro Ribeiro is also a threat, and arguably the most versatile player for Orlando. Filling in at Kaká’s spot in last week’s game, Ribeiro has proven he can be dangerous on both ends of the field.
Players to Watch
For Orlando, everything runs through Kaká. The 33 year-old Brazilian, has proven the doubters wrong in convincing fashion this season. With nine goals on the year, the former Brazilian national team star has made a statement upon arrival in MLS. Kaká, healthy and well-rested, is the anchor for Orlando on both sides of the ball.
Expect New York’s midfield, Felipe, Dax McCarty in particular, to keep Kaká in their sights no matter where the ball may be.
For New York, Bradley Wright-Phillips has been more than the team could ask for in recent weeks. Wright-Phillips had two goals and an assist last week vs. New England, and has been successful in both the striker and midfield role. He’s been effective coming out of the left midfield position with youngster Anatole Abang playing up front at times.
Wright-Phillips, MLS’s leading goal-scorer last season, will cause trouble to an injury depleted Orlando City defense. The forward has also shown an improved ability to involve his teammates this season, having already set a new MLS-career high with six assists.
