Homegrown Success
Orlando City forward Benji Michel scored his first goal as a Lion in his Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup debut last Wednesday night in a 2-1 win over the New England Revolution. The win punched the Lions’ ticket to the Quarterfinals, the third time in Club history they have reached the last eight in the nation’s oldest cup competition. With his goal in the 96th minute, Michel became the first Homegrown player for Orlando City to score a goal for the First Team. Michel joined the Lions this past offseason, signing his Homegrown contract on December 31 of last year.
O Canada
Kamal Miller made his debut for the senior Canadian National Team in their landslide 7-0 win over Cuba this past Sunday. The Orlando City center back helped Canada earn its second group-stage shutout after entering the game in the 61st minute. Canada broke its record for goals scored in a Gold Cup match and will advance to the quarterfinals on Wednesday, June 29. Miller became the second Lion to debut in the 2019 CONCACAF Gold Cup, with Will Johnson recording a start for Canada earlier in the tournament in their second match of the group stage.
Staying Hot
Orlando City enters its matchup with D.C. United on Wednesday night having won three-consecutive matches and four of its last five across all competitions dating back to May 19 in a 5-1 win over FC Cincinnati. Over that stretch, the Lions have outscored opponents 13-4. This is City’s best run of form since the Club’s record six-game win streak last season from March 31 through May 6.
In this stretch of play, seven different Lions have found the back of the net. Tesho Akindele has scored four goals, while Nani has added three in that span. Sacha Kljestan has found the back of the net twice and Dom Dwyer, Will Johnson, Robin Jansson and Benji Michel have all contributed with a goal apiece.
Hey Now, You’re an All-Star
Midfielder Nani has been selected to the Fan XI for the 2019 All-Star Game presented by Target. The Orlando City captain currently leads the team in goals scored (8), assists (4) and game-winning goals (4) since his arrival to the Club in February of this year. Nani and the 2019 MLS All-Stars will take on 10-time La Liga champions Atlético Madrid at 8 p.m. ET on July 31st at Exploria Stadium, with Lions’ Head Coach James O’Connor at the helm.
Reaching Milestones
- Orlando City midfielder Will Johnson was able to put away his first goal of the 2019 campaign in the Club’s last league match versus Montreal. His goal came in his 60th start for the Club, a number for a midfielder that trails only Kaka (69) and Cristian Higuita (81) at that position. Johnson now has four goals as a Lion since joining the Club in 2017.
- Defender Robin Jansson scored his first goal as a Lion in City’s 3-1 Open Cup Fourth Round victory over USL Championship side Memphis 901 FC. His 71st minute goal secured the game, sending the Lions to the Round of 16.
