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Breaking Down the XI | Mueller Starts; Big Changes

Breaking Down the XI | Mueller Starts; Big Changes

Orlando City is set to take on Real Salt Lake a Rio Tinto Stadium in Utah. With a wealth of options at his disposal, Head Coach James O’Connor has significantly rotated tonight’s lineup. 


In goal, Brian Rowe starts again. The veteran has been a consistent presence in the Orlando City lineup. Rowe’s three saves last week kept Orlando City in the match and placed him second in MLS in that category. 


In front of Rowe, both Shane O’Neill and rookie Kamal Miller return to the starting lineup. This will be Miller’s first game time since week two against Chicago. 


On the wings, what’s new, João Moutinho and Ruan will pair up again. This duo has provided Orlando with skill, speed, and distribution on the flanks for the majority of this early season. 


In the midfield, Will Johnson returns to the lineup to join Sacha Kljestan and Sebas Méndez. Méndez was a key contributor in last week’s win over Denver, completing 35 of 37 passes on the day. 


Up top, after two strong performances off the bench, Chris Mueller will get the nod and start alongside Tesho Akindele. In just 42 minutes over the last two matches, Mueller has recorded a goal and an assist on four shots. 


Starting XI: Rowe, Miller, Jansson, O’Neill, Moutinho, Ruan, Johnson, Kljestan, Méndez, Akindele, Mueller. 


Bench: Grinwis, Dwyer, Nani, Rosell, Colman, Michel, Smith