Orlando City (1-3-2, 5 points) at D.C. United (2-1-4, 10 points)
When: Saturday, 7:30 p.m. ET
Where: Audi Field, Washington, D.C.
TV: Apple TV - MLS Season Pass (Subscription Required)
Radio: 96.9 The Game, (English), Mega 97.1 (Spanish)
Here are five storylines to watch on Saturday, when Orlando City SC travel to take on D.C. United:
Off the Bye Week
Orlando City SC enters Saturday’s matchup with D.C. United coming off a two-week break from play, with the Lions the one team this past weekend on a bye week. Orlando City posted a strong record last season in matches following two weeks’ rest, going 4-1-0 in 2023 in matches immediately after that break, including a 2-1 win over Minnesota United FC last season following City’s March bye week. Going back to the start of Head Coach Oscar Pareja’s tenure in Orlando, the Lions have gone 6-3-1 in such matches.
Fifteen
Orlando City defender Robin Jansson has the chance to make history in this weekend’s match, yet again for the Lions. Should the Swedish center back start against D.C. United and play more than 59 total minutes, Jansson will become the first Orlando City to player to pass 15,000 minutes played across all competitions. The match would also mark Jansson’s 170th appearance for the Lions, extending his own Club record across all competitions.
By the Defensive Numbers
Going into Saturday’s matchup, Orlando City has the edge in certain defensive statistics, conceding 29 fewer shots than their rivals from the U.S. capital-based side, conceding 52 total shots to D.C. United’s 81 to this point. In addition, the Lions have conceded a lower expected goals number compared to D.C., with City’s opponents posting a 7.77 xGoals compared to D.C.’s 11.08. Heading into the weekend the Lions have played one fewer match than United.
Back to Where it Started
The last time the Lions faced off with D.C. United at Audi Field was on March 11 of last year, a matchup that resulted in a 1-1 draw. MLS SuperDraft selection Duncan McGuire made his professional debut in that match and also scored his first professional goal on the night of his debut. Scoring his second goal against D.C. United just over a month later, the forward from Nebraska is currently City’s leading goal scorer against D.C. on the active roster.
On the Road Again
Orlando City SC will head back out on the road again for its fifth away match of the 2024 campaign across all competitions. Including two away legs for Concacaf Champions Cup play, the Lions will have traveled a total distance of 9,501.98 miles for matches when they arrive at Audi Field on Saturday night, facing another road match the week following before returning to INTER&Co Stadium on April 27. In comparison, D.C. United will have traveled almost 2,000 miles less than City, with 7,587.58 miles traversed for matches.
Milestone Tracker:
- Facundo Torres is one goal away from tying Nani (31) for second all-time in Orlando City history
- Duncan McGuire’s next goal will be his 19th for Orlando City, tying him with former Lions Daryl Dike and Benji Michel for eighth all-time in Club history
- Wilder Cartagena is one appearance away from 50 across all competitions for the Club
