Orlando City and FC Dallas are set to face off this Saturday, Sept 30 at Orlando City Stadium. The Lions are coming off their most emphatic win in club history, while FC Dallas recently earned a home victory of its own. The match is set for a 4 p.m. ET kickoff and will be televised on Univisión.
Here’s what you should know about Orlando City’s next opponent:
Current Form
Last Match: Wednesday, Sept, 27
FC Dallas - 2 Colorado Rapids - 0
Toyota Stadium, Frisco, TX
FC Dallas came storming out the gates in its midweek matchup against bottom-of-the-West Colorado. Two goals from Maynor Figueroa and Roland Lamah put the Texas side up 2-0 within the first ten minutes, and the Rapids had no answer.
Offensive Leaders
Maximiliano Urruti - 12 goals, 5 assists
Urruti, an Argentinian striker, is having his best scoring season since entering MLS in 2013. Urruti started the 2017 campaign in-form, but has failed to score or assist in a MLS match since Aug. 23.
Michael Barrios - 2 goals, 14 assists
Barrios has started 25 matches in 2017 for FC Dallas. His ability to execute the final pass near the box is something Orlando City will have to be aware of.
Defensive Leaders
Matt Hedges
Hedges, in his sixth MLS season, has been named FC Dallas defender of the year for the past three seasons. He is certainly the heart of the FC Dallas back line and carries a lot of responsibility in defending set pieces.
Jesse Gonzalez (Goalkeeper)
Tied for fourth in MLS with eight shutouts, Gonzalez has been the consistent number one keeper for FC Dallas this season. Gonzalez has started all but five matches in 2017 for his team - recording 64 saves, but allowing 34 goals.
Head-to-Head
Saturday’s inter-conference match should have an end-to-end, high-octane feel. Both teams like to press the opposition to regain possession in the attacking third, and both teams will be pushing for three points with the regular season winding down.
The Lions are 0-2-0 in MLS play against FC Dallas. Saturday will be the first time City hosts Dallas in Orlando City Stadium, as the Lions look to win their second straight at home.
