Getting Back on Track
Orlando City’s 1-0 loss to D.C. United on Wednesday night marked its first loss since May 24 and the Lions’ first loss on the road since May 15 across all competitions. Prior to falling against its Eastern Conferences-foes, Orlando City had 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.
A Difficult Stretch
Including Wednesday’s match in D.C., the Lions are now in their busiest period of play in Club history. City will play eight games in a span of 26 days including seven league contests and a U.S. Open Cup Quarterfinal match against 2015 expansion rivals NYCFC, averaging a game every 3.25 days. Five of the six remaining league contests will be against Eastern Conference opponents, including a home and away against Columbus and Philadelphia, as well as a matchup against RBNY in the mix. Their lone Western Conference opponent in that span will be the Portland Timbers, when the Lions travel to the Rose City on July 18.
Last Time in Columbus…
The last time the Lions traveled to face the Columbus Crew, the match was riddled with controversy. City looked to be on the path of going home with three points with a 2-1 advantage late in the game until a questionable penalty kick was awarded to the Crew in the 86th minute of the match. Gyasi Zardes converted from the spot to level the match only to be followed by a goal from Will Trapp in stoppage time to sway all three points to the home side. Both Zardes and Trapp will not be available for Saturday’s match as they are currently on international duty with the U.S. Men’s National Team at the CONCACAF Gold Cup.
He’s Got Their Number...
Sacha Kljestan found the back of the net in both of the Lions’ matchups against the Crew in 2018. Kljestan opened the scoring in the first matchup between the two sides last season in Columbus with a finish in the 16th minute. He then went on to score the game-winner in the second matchup of the year in the Lions’ home finale, converting from the penalty spot in the 96th minute to close out the match. Kljestan is one of two currently on the Lions’ roster to have scored for Orlando City against Columbus, with Cristian Higuita being the only other that has found the back of the net against Saturday’s opposition, a 2015 goal in a 5-2 rout of the Crew at Camping World Stadium.
Milestone Tracker
- Sacha Kljestan’s next assist, his 92nd in MLS, will give him sole possession of eighth in league history. Kljestan is currently tied with Cobi Jones, who played his entire MLS career with the Galaxy.
- Chris Mueller’s next assist will be his 10th as an MLS player.
- Dillon Powers’ next goal will be his 15th in MLS and his first since March 20, 2016, when he scored for Colorado at D.C. United.
