This weekend the Union (6-13-4) visit the Orlando City SC (7-9-6) on Saturday in the Citrus Bowl. Kickoff is at 7:30 p.m. and the game will be broadcast on The Comcast Network.
What you need to know
Orlando, along with New York City FC, joined the league this year and have found decent success for a team in their inaugural season. With seven wins so far on the season, they already have more wins than Real Salt Lake, Toronto FC, the Vancouver Whitecaps and Chivas USA had in their first season in the MLS.
Their success has been in large part due to head coach Adrian Heath’s machinations. Heath, who has managed Orlando since 2011 when they were still in the USL, has been able to collect a roster filled with as many MLS veterans as MLS newcomers and the balance has helped the team stay in the heat of the playoff race in the Eastern Conference.
The biggest – and easily the best – move Orlando made was bringing in the illustrious Ricardo Kaká. The former World Cup and Ballon d’Or winner has become the beating heart of the Orlando team since joining in 2014, signing as their first designated player. His influence in the locker room led to him being named the team’s captain for their inaugural season.
In addition to Kaká, Orlando is also home to MLS Rookie-of the-Year candidate Cyle Larin, US Men’s National Team player Brek Shea (who’s out due to an injury) and young Portuguese defender Rafael Ramos. Larin in particular has been impressive, playing in only 16 games but still having scored 11 goals, tied for the most goals scored by a rookie in the MLS.
Coming into their game against the Union, Orlando have only won one game in their last five even though they managed to score nine goals over that span. The biggest issue Orlando has had to deal with this season is their defense which has allowed 33 goals in 22 games, including seven in their last two games. The dismissal of defender Sean St. Ledger following a breach in club policy does not help them moving forward.
Players to watch
Cyle Larin, Forward
The Canadian international and UConn product has gone on a tear during his rookie year. He’s scored 11 goals this season, including 5 in his last 2 games against Columbus and NYC. Larin is capable of scoring with either foot, and offers a strong and physical presence to complement the pace in Orlando’s midfield.
Kaká, Midfielder
As a World Cup Winner, UEFA Champions League Winner, FIFA World Player of the Year and Ballon d’Or winner, Kaká is without a doubt Orlando City’s most heralded player. Despite having the prime of his career shortened by knee injuries, Kaká has found success in Orlando at the age of 33. The Brazilian playmaker has scored 9 goals and added 4 assists in so far this season.
Darwin Cerén, Midfielder
Darwin Cerén won’t be stealing any headlines for his flashy play or goal scoring abilities, but he is still the engine that drives Orlando City’s potent attack. The 25 year-old Salvadorian midfielder averages 66 passes a game with an accuracy rate of 88 percent. Both figures put him at an elite level amongst MLS players, making him a focal point for opposing teams.
Probable Lineup
4-2-3-1
Goalkeeper: Tally Hall
Defenders (left to right): Corey Ashe, Seb Hines, Aurélien Collin, Rafael Ramos
Midfielders (left to right): Luke Boden, Cristian Higuita, Kaká, Darwin Cerén, Eric Avila
Forward: Cyle Larin
Facts and Figures
This is the first-ever meeting between the two teams and their first of two meetings this season.
The Union enter the game coming off a 3-1 to the New York Red Bulls at home while Orlando come in off one of their best games of the season, a 5-2 win over the Columbus Crew SC.
