Here are five storylines to watch for Wednesday's match against Charlotte:
“Tincho” Too Good
Martín Ojeda’s brace on Wednesday night brought his all-time regular-season goals tally to 30, joining former Lions Facundo Torres (37) and Cyle Larin (43) as the only three players in club history to reach at least 30 goals in MLS play. It also marked Ojeda’s 37th goal across all competitions. If the Argentine reaches the 40 mark, he would become the Club’s first player with at least 40 goals and 40 assists across all competitions.
The Viking Holds Firm
Robin Jansson’s return from a preseason foot injury has brought renewed balance to Orlando City on both ends of the field. Over the Lions’ past four matches in all competitions, the Club has scored six goals while conceding just three since Jansson rejoined the starting XI. His individual impact has been even clearer in league play, with Orlando City allowing only two goals in 258 minutes with the captain on the pitch in 2026, reinforcing his role as the anchor of the defense.
Ellis Up Top
18-year-old forward Justin Ellis made a strong statement in his first MLS start, delivering a complete performance that highlighted his confidence in possession and his ability to lead the line. Ellis, a product of the Orlando City Academy and Orlando City B, showed mature hold-up play and defensive awareness from the front, capping the night with an assist on Designated Player Martín Ojeda’s first goal of the night that marked his first goal contribution for Orlando City’s senior team.
Luís Otávio Opens His Account
Luís Otávio marked a milestone night for both himself and Orlando City by scoring the first professional goal of his career in Wednesday’s 4-1 win over Charlotte FC. Making the most of his start, the 19-year-old Brazilian played 89 minutes and opened the scoring in the 21st minute with an outside-of-the-foot strike from beyond the 18-yard box, his lone shot of the match. Otávio, a Brazil U22 midfielder who joined the Lions from Sport Club Internacional on Dec. 26, 2025, set the tone early as Orlando City cruised to the victory.
Lions In the Capital
Orlando City has had the upper hand against D.C. United over the past two seasons, posting a 3-0-1 record with a plus-9 goal differential against the Black-and-Red since the start of 2024. Designated Player Martín Ojeda has been a key part of that run, scoring twice in his past three matches against D.C. The Lions are unbeaten at Audi Field over the past three years, most recently rallying for a point last September on an early second-half goal from Alex Freeman.
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
-Martín Ojeda is three goals away from 40 in all competitions for Orlando City. Ojeda would become the third player in club history to score 40 goals, following Facundo Torres (47) and Cyle Larin (44), and the first with both 40 goals and 40 assists.
