Road Form
The Lions currently hold a 1-1-2 record on the road against the East this season. Included in that stretch is a 1-0 victory at Red Bull Arena on March 23, the first for the Lions’ this season. City also earned results at Chicago and NYCFC, both 1-1 draws, with their lone loss on the road against the Eastern Conference coming at Atlanta on May 12 in a 1-0 defeat.
Creating Opportunities
Despite being shut out last Friday against the Galaxy, the Lions recorded a season-high 19 total shots. Forward Nani recorded eight of them, a season-high shot total by a City player. This served as the most recorded by a Lion in a single match since 2015. Former Lion Carlos Rivas recorded the same total on July 19 of that season against RBNY, with former City forward Cyle Larin following suit shortly after on August 2 against the Columbus Crew.
Now Let’s Take a Break
Following Saturday’s match, the Lions will have over three weeks off from league play due to the CONCACAF Gold Cup break. City returns to MLS action on June 26 when they visit Audi Field for a matchup with D.C. United and then travel to Columbus for their first match of 2019 against the Crew on June 29 at MAPFRE Stadium. The Lions will not host another opponent at Orlando City Stadium until July 3 when the Philadelphia Union visit The City Beautiful.
No Rest for the Opposition
Saturday’s match will mark the fourth time City will face an opponent coming off short rest this season, with the Impact having faced Real Salt Lake on Wednesday, earning a 2-1 victory. The Lions are 1-1-1 in the previous three matchups, with the victory coming against the Vancouver Whitecaps on April 20. They then earned a 1-1 result at NYCFC on April 27, with the lone defeat coming against Atlanta on May 12 in matches faced against an opponent who played in a midweek contest.
Milestone Tracker
Forward Nani is one goal away from his 100th of his professional career.
Midfielder Cristian Higuita is two appearances away from his 100th MLS cap. He recorded his 80th start as a Lion last Friday against the Galaxy.
Midfielder Will Johnson is one start away from his 60th for City, trailing only Higuita and Kaka for most by a midfielder in Club history.
Midfielder Sacha Kljestan’s next assist will be his 92nd in MLS, giving him sole possession of eighth in MLS history ahead of former LA Galaxy midfielder Cobi Jon
