Here are five storylines to watch for Wednesday's Open Cup match as the Lions play the Revolution in Pawtucket:
Round of 16 Ready
Orlando City booked its place in the Round of 16 with a 1-0 victory over USL League One side FC Naples on April 15. Tyrese Spicer supplied the difference with a long-range strike, while Javier Otero delivered a standout performance in goal. Otero made seven saves to earn Man of the Match honors as Orlando recorded its first clean sheet of the year. His diving stop in the 62nd minute was later voted Save of the Round on the Open Cup’s official channels.
Heating Up
Orlando City has shown renewed attacking form over the past week, scoring six goals in two matches after producing just two across its previous five outings. Homegrown forward Justin Ellis scored his first MLS goal in Saturday night’s road match at D.C. United, while Tyrese Spicer added his second goal in as many weeks. Ellis, one of MLS’ top teenage prospects and a former MLS NEXT MVP, recorded one goal and one assist over his first two league starts.
Lions Revving Up
After going winless at New England through its first nine MLS seasons, Orlando City has flipped the script in recent years, winning on the road in each of the past two campaigns. The most recent result came last July, when the Lions earned a 2-1 victory behind a brace from Martín Ojeda. The back-to-back away wins marked a notable shift for a road trip that long proved difficult for Orlando and highlighted the Club’s growing comfort and confidence away from home.
Ojeda Runs Wild
Designated Player Martín Ojeda was a persistent nightmare for New England in 2025, piling up five goals across two meetings and consistently tipping matches in Orlando City’s favor. His performance was highlighted by a dominant hat trick on May 10. The three-goal outburst marked just the fourth hat trick in club history and underscored Ojeda’s growing influence in the attack. It was also the first by an Orlando City player since Cyle Larin in September 2015, placing Ojeda’s night among the most memorable individual performances the Lions have produced.
Open Cup History
Orlando City and New England have met once before in the U.S. Open Cup, clashing in the Round of 16 on June 19, 2019. With the match scoreless after 90 minutes, Homegrown attacker Benji Michel delivered his first professional goal in the sixth minute of extra time. Tesho Akindele followed with what proved to be the decisive insurance goal as Orlando City earned a 2-1 victory.
Milestone Tracker:
-Duncan McGuire’s next goal will be his 32nd for Orlando City in all competitions, passing former captain Nani for fourth all-time
