The First for Kara
Ercan Kara found the back of the net for the first time as a Lion over the weekend, heading in a ball from Alexandre Pato for the eventual game-winner. Kara joined Orlando City as a Designated Player this past offseason from Rapid Vienna of the Austrian Bundesliga, now with 56 goals at the professional level across all competitions since 2014.
History for El Pulpo
With the victory over Chicago this past weekend, goalkeeper Pedro Gallese matched the Club-record for wins by a goalkeeper, tying Joe Bendik with his 25th victory in between the sticks. Gallese previously broke the Club clean sheet record this season and extended that very record this past Saturday, now with 15 in all competitions in Orlando.
Against the Crew
Orlando City has enjoyed success over the Crew in their recent meetings, having won five of the last six against Saturday’s opposition. The two sides split the series a year ago, with the home side taking the victory on each occasion. The Lions took a 3-2 win against Columbus at Exploria Stadium on Sept. 4, with Júnior Urso, Antonio Carlos and former City forward Daryl Dike scoring in that match, before falling at Lower.com Field the following month.
On the Road
The Lions will look to continue their strong road form this weekend, sitting as one of three remaining teams in MLS having yet to drop a result away from home this campaign along with Philadelphia Union and the New York Red Bulls. City has taken a pair of draws in Chicago and Portland to start the year, along with a 1-0 victory at the LA Galaxy last month.
A Twofer in Columbus
City will be one of two sides representing The City Beautiful in Columbus this weekend, with MLS NEXT Pro side Orlando City B also making the trip, set to take on Columbus Crew 2 on Friday, April 15. That match will take place at Historic Crew Stadium, the former home of the Columbus first team prior to opening Lower.com Field a year ago.
Milestone Tracker
- Pedro Gallese’s next victory, his 26th, will pass Joe Bendik’s Club record of 25 in all competitions. Gallese is 25-13-15 as the starting keeper for Orlando.
- Mauricio Pereyra’s next assist, his 27th, will give him the all-time record in all competitions in Orlando City history.
- Pereyra already holds the Club record for most MLS regular season assists with 25, surpassing Chris Mueller’s mark of 24 against LAFC on April 2.
- Pereyra reached 26 assists in 65 games. Nani, the current co-leader with Pereyra, needed 86 games to achieve the number.
- Orlando City all-time assist leaders:
- MAURICIO PEREYRA, 26
- Nani, 26
- Chris Mueller, 24
- Kaká, 22
- Tesho Akindele is two goals away from 20 in his Orlando City career.
- Benji Michel is three goals away from 20.
- Potential Milestone Appearances:
- Benji Michel: 90th appearance
- Ruan: 80th start
