Orlando City welcome New England Revolution to Exploria Stadium in an MLS Eastern Conference clash this weekend, with both sides navigating contrasting paths this season.
With just one win in their last seven MLS outings, New England's playoff hopes are slipping away, making every point crucial as they aim to reverse their fortunes.
Match preview
Orlando City's 3-0 victory over Nashville SC, highlighted by Facundo Torres's brace, was a crucial result that brought their form back on track, marking three wins from their last five MLS games and offering hope as they push to secure a playoff spot after a season of inconsistency.
Torres has been pivotal in Orlando's resurgence, with his two-goal performance against Nashville bringing his season tally to 10 goals, crucial for a side that has scored 42 times but has seen that effort countered by conceding 41.
The striker's form, bolstered by key contributions from Duncan McGuire and Martin Ojeda — who averages 1.7 key passes per game — will be vital for Orlando's playoff push as they strive to close the gap on teams above them, despite being far from their second-place finish last season.
Orlando's defence, while leaky at times, showed solidity in their clean sheet against Nashville, a result they will hope to replicate against a New England side that has struggled for goals in recent weeks.
Orlando's recent record against New England is promising, having won the last two MLS meetings, including a 3-1 away victory in July and a 3-2 home win last season, though historically they have struggled at Exploria Stadium, securing just three wins from 10 MLS encounters.
New England Revolution enter this match in 12th place in the Eastern Conference with 27 points from 26 matches, leaving their playoff hopes fading as the season nears its end, and their inconsistent form — just two wins in their last five MLS games — has made it difficult to build momentum.
The Revs' defensive frailties have been a major issue, with 51 goals conceded – the third-highest in the Eastern Conference – contributing to their difficult campaign. With just eight matches remaining, every point is vital if they are to keep their playoff dreams alive.
In attack, New England have been unable to produce the consistency needed to stay competitive in the tightly packed Eastern Conference standings. Their total of 30 goals scored is one of the lowest in the league, despite occasional standout performances.
The visitors' defensive issues have been particularly evident on the road, with recent heavy defeats such as the 5-1 loss to Philadelphia Union and 2-0 defeat to Real Salt Lake underscoring their vulnerabilities, which must be addressed to contain Orlando's potent attack and achieve a positive result.
Team News
Orlando City will be without midfielder Cesar Araujo due to a suspension from accumulated yellow cards.
Goalkeeper Mason Stajduhar remains sidelined with a leg injury until late September.
New England Revolution will be without Xavier Arreaga, Esmir Bajraktarevic and Alhassan Yusuf, all unavailable due to international duty.
Tomas Chancalay, who is sidelined with a knee injury, continues to be out of the team, while Brandon Bye is questionable due to an ankle issue.
Orlando City possible starting lineup:
Gallese; Thorhallsson, Brekalo, Jansson, Santos; Cartagena, Lodeiro; Torres, Ojeda, Cortes; Enrique
New England Revolution possible starting lineup:
Ivacic; Lima, Mensah, Romney, Sands; Polster, Kaye; Boateng, Gil, Langoni; Wood
We say: Orlando City 2-0 New England Revolution
Orlando, buoyed by their recent victory and solid performance against New England in their last two meetings, will be confident of securing a convincing victory.
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