Last Time Against the Fire
The last time the Lions faced off against Wednesday’s opposition came on Sept. 19, 2020 at Exploria Stadium, a resounding 4-1 victory for the home side. Chris Mueller opened the scoring in that match before contributing the assist on a finish from Nani to send the Lions into the halftime break up 2-1. Júnior Urso would go on to add the insurance in the 78th, with Benji Michel closing things out at the death in second-half stoppage time.
Cashing In
Chris Mueller continued his offensive contributions of late on Saturday night, finding the back of the net for the second time in as many contests against the New York Red Bulls. The finish served as Mueller’s fourth-consecutive match with a goal contribution after scoring the equalizer in Ft. Lauderdale over a week ago to follow back-to-back matches with an assist to his credit.
The No. 10
Mauricio Pereyra tallied his fourth assist of the campaign on Saturday night, playing Mueller first time for the then-equalizer. With the helper, Pereyra now sits tied for the team high in assists on the year with both Mueller and Tesho Akindele. The Uruguayan midfielder has now tallied 16 assists since joining the Club midway through the 2019 season, with four goals to add.
Club & Country
The 2021 Copa América continued this past week, with two Lions in action for their respective national teams. Sebastián Méndez and his nation of Ecuador fell on Saturday to Argentina in the Quarterfinals, with the Lions’ midfielder starting all five matches in the tournament. Goalkeeper Pedro Gallese saw his 2021 Copa América run continue this past weekend, as the Peruvian National Team defeated Paraguay in a penalty-kick shootout, with Gallese’s stop on Alberto Espinola setting up Miguel Trauco to send Peru through to the Semifinals. Forward Daryl Dike will be unavailable for the Lions at the midweek, as he joins the USMNT ahead of the 2021 Concacaf Gold Cup, with their tournament opener set for July 11.
Rodri’s Return
Defender Rodrigo Schlegel returned to the pitch for the Lions on Saturday night, entering in the 14th minute of the match for Antonio Carlos. The minutes served as his first since May 22, putting in a strong showing at the back. Schlegel led the Lions in duels won (11) and tackles won (4), while trailing only center back counterpart Robin Jansson in interceptions (4), the Argentine defender tallying three on the night.
Milestone Tracker
- Nani is one assist away from tying the Club all-time record, currently held by Chris Mueller and Kaká (22). Mueller could take sole possession of that record with his next helper.
- Uri Rosell sits four appearances away from 100 in MLS.
- Andrés Perea is one appearance away from 40 as a Lion.
