KISSIMMEE, Fla. — Saturday night at TQL Stadium will mark Orlando City SC's last MLS match beforethe league pauses for the FIFA World Cup 2026™. In a season full of ups and downs thus far, it's a chance to head into a month-and-a-half-long break with some good momentum, right on the heels of the U.S. Open Cup Quarterfinal result against Atlanta United.
"Always the next one is the most important for us," Interim Head Coach MartÃn Perelman said at Orlando Health Training Ground at Osceola Heritage Park. "It's true that it's the last one of this semester, but for us, it was about one game at a time. Hopefully we can do a good job in Cincinnati."
It's almost impossible to avoid the looming event that will captivate the word's soccer community next month. MLS will pause throughout June as the eyes of the world turn to the World Cup, the first on U.S. soil since 1994, with a majority of the tournament's group stage matches being played across stadiums nationwide. Orlando City will potentially see several of their own players represent their countries during the tournament. Marco Pašalić has already received his call-up from Croatia, while Máxime Crepeau and Braian Ojeda are in contention with Canada and Paraguay respectively.
"Being represented by our players in the most important event in the world of soccer; it's a matter to be proud of," Perelman said. "I think the recognition for their teammates as well, because this is a group effort. I'm happy when the players reach their individual goals, because at the end of the day, the best for them is the best for the club."
Before any of that begins, however, FC Cincinnati awaits on the weekend. The two clubs know each other well — Orlando leads the all-time series 5-4-4. Last year, the Lions were able to pick up a point on the road, drawing 1-1 in September, thanks to an Alex Freeman stoppage time header.
This year's Cincinnati side, under Head Coach Pat Noonan, sits just three points above the Lions in the Eastern Conference standings, and have been a part of a number of high-scoring matches this year. In the last six games alone, The Garys have scored 17 goals, but also conceded 16, including a wild 3-3 draw with San Diego last weekend.
"Cincinnati is a team that has a clear pattern. A few years already with the same coach, being successful," Perelman said. "We know them. We will prepare the game. We will always focus on us as a priority. Our team, our game model, our ideas, our strategies, our players. For us, it's about us. We respect every opponent, but we plan from us every game. This is not going to be the exception."
Kickoff at TQL Stadium is set for Saturday night at 7:30 p.m. ET, with the match available on Apple TV.
