Here are five storylines to watch for Saturday's matchup at Red Bull New York:
Canadian CommandĀ
Orlando City recorded its first two MLS clean sheets of the season in its first two matches since returning from the MLS break for the FIFA World Cup. Goalkeeper Maxime CrĆ©peau, a 2026 MLS All-Star, has anchored the Lionsā defensive effort with 10 saves across the clubās last two matches. In the season opener against Red BullĀ New York, the Canadian international recorded a season-high and MLS career-high 11 saves.
Young Lions, Big MomentĀ
Orlando Cityās July 25 win over Nashville SC marked the first time in club history that three teenagers started an MLSĀ match for the Lions, with Bernardo RheinĀ (18), Justin EllisĀ (19)Ā and LuĆs OtĆ”vioĀ (19)Ā all in the starting XI. Rhein earned his first career MLS start after signing a First Team contract earlier that day, while EllisĀ assistedĀ Tyrese Spicerās game-winning goal.
Adding a Little SpiceĀ
Tyrese Spicer made his 60th career MLS appearance and 20th for Orlando City after entering as a second-half substitute against Nashville SC. The No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 MLS SuperDraft found the breakthrough in the 72nd minute, scoring the game-winning goal for his third MLS goal of the season. Spicerās three MLS goals rank second on the team, trailing only MartĆn Ojeda.
Ā Big Apple MatchupĀ
Orlando City holdsĀ aĀ 8W-12L-5DĀ all-time recordĀ againstĀ Red BullĀ New York, with the two sides each scoring 35 goals in the series. Last season, the clubs playedĀ toĀ a pair of draws. The Lions earned a 2-2 result in New Jersey before the sides battled to a scoreless draw at Inter.co Stadium. The teams last met in the season opener on Feb. 22, 2026, withĀ theĀ Red Bulls earning the win. Brazilian U-22Ā forwardĀ Tiago scored his first MLS goal in his Lions debut after entering as a second-half substitute.
Homegrown HelperĀ
Justin Ellis has recorded three assists across Orlando Cityās last two matches, including a two-assist performance in the Lionsā 4-0 win over the San Jose Earthquakes on July 22. The 19-year-old Homegrown forwardĀ assisted onĀ Antoine Griezmannās first goal for Orlando City and 300th professional club goal before adding the secondary assist on Braian Ojedaās first goal of the 2026 campaign. Ellis followed with his fifth assist of the season against Nashville SC, setting up Tyrese Spicerās game-winning goal in the 72nd minute, earning him MLS Team of the Matchday honors.
Milestone TrackerĀ
-MartĆn Ojeda needs three goals to tie Facundo Torresā club record of 47 across all competitions. Ojeda is five assists from matching Mauricio Pereyraās club record of 47.Ā
-IvƔn Angulo is one assist away from becoming the third player in club history to reach 40 assists in all competitions for Orlando City.



