7 – Nani contributions
Nani has already racked up three goals and four assists for Orlando City, including 3 G/1 A in the month of April. Nani’s seven total goal contributions are tied for the second-most in MLS, just behind LAFC’s Carlos Vela. Nani also ranks sixth in goals and assists per 90 minutes.
+6 – Nani’s impact
Even beyond just scoring and assisting himself, Nani has had a major impact on Orlando City’s overall production this year. The Lions have scored 10 times and conceded just eight goals with Nani on the pitch, compared to one goal for and five goals against when Nani is not in the game, a six-goal difference. Dom Dwyer’s numbers are similar, with the Lions at 10 GF/9 GA with the star striker on and 1 GF/4 GA with him off.
7 again – Substitute run continues
Nani’s free kick stunner on Saturday made for the seventh consecutive game in which an Orlando City substitute has contributed a goal or an assist this season. An Orlando sub has had a goal contribution in every game this season. Dom Dwyer has 1 G/2 A off the bench, while Chris Mueller and Nani each have a goal and an assist.
4 – Changes
James O’Connor made four changes to his lineup this week, marking the fifth consecutive game in which the Lions have had at least two different starters from the week prior. Orlando’s season-high for changes to the XI was for their game against the New York Red Bulls on March 23, when O’Connor made five new selections, in part due to the international break and Will Johnson’s concussion. Orlando went on to win that game 1-0.
0 – Wins against Vancouver
Unlike the last two games, when Orlando City entered the game unbeaten against their opponents, the Lions will be looking to beat Vancouver Whitecaps FC for the very first time on Saturday afternoon. Vancouver are one of six teams Orlando have yet to beat, and one of only three that have been in the league since 2015, along with FC Dallas and Seattle Sounders.
5 – Goals against VWFC
Orlando City’s struggles against the Whitecaps has not come for lack of attack. The Lions have put five past Vancouver in the last three games, with Dwyer and Sacha Kljestan getting on the scoresheet last season. Dwyer has four career goals against Vancouver. In addition, Tesho Akindele’s first-ever MLS Playoff goal came in a 2-1 win at BC Place in 2014 for FC Dallas.
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