1 - Closed door in open play
Orlando City have conceded just two goals through their first four matches this season, tied with Seattle for the best mark in the league. One of those goals was a penalty kick, meaning the Lions have given away just one goal through 360 minutes in open play, again tied with the Sounders for the league lead. Rodrigo Schlegel, Antonio Carlos, Kyle Smith, and keeper Pedro Gallese have played every one of those minutes so far.
10 - Don’t forget his defense
Much ink has been spilled on Sebas Méndez’s terrific start to 2021, specifically about his passing, but the Ecuadorian has performed to his usual top standard on the defensive side of the ball. Méndez is tied for eighth in the league with ten tackles through four weeks of play, and four of the seven players ahead of him have played more minutes than he has.
84.8% - Laser precision
Oscar Pareja’s Orlando City have become known for their cool under pressure and impressive ability to connect passes in tight spaces, as well as the rarity of their mistakes. Sure enough, the Lions rank third in MLS in passing accuracy at 84.8%. D.C. United, who Orlando will face on Sunday night (8 pm EST, FOX35 PLUS/LionNation TV), ranks third to last at 73.8%, employing a frantic pressing style under new head coach Hernán Losada.
19 - Black and Red and blue
D.C. United have been hit hard by injuries at the start of 2021. Through five matches, the Black and Red have yet to field a full 20-man team sheet, reaching 19 players in their season opener before going down to as few as 15 last weekend against Columus. It does appear that D.C. are on the mend, though, as they were up to 18 on Thursday night against Chicago and got a season debut off the bench from DP winger Paul Arriola.
1.5 - FAIRWINDS Credit Union
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