1.21 - Nani’s MVP case
It’s been an exceptional start to 2021 for Orlando City captain Nani, who has established himself as a Landon Donovan MLS MVP frontrunner while producing 6 G/3 A in 675 minutes so far this season. That’s good for a 1.21 G+A/90, a rate which leads all MLS players when measuring direct goal contributions. Orlando actually has three players in the top six of this statistic, with Tesho Akindele (0.98) and Benji Michel (0.95) near the top of the leaderboard.
2.10 - A flying start
Orlando City’s three-game winning streak has seen them soar to second in the Eastern Conference and first on points per game, with the Lions picking up 2.10 points per outing. The 21 points through 10 matches is the best start in club history, topping the 19 points the team picked up through its first ten games in both 2017 and 2018.
20 - Team effort
Between injuries, suspensions, loans, and international absences, Oscar Pareja has had to get creative with his team selection in 2021. Orlando City has started 20 different players across their first ten matches of the season, including two goalkeepers, four outside backs, and seven forwards. Only three players have started all ten matches this season: center back Antonio Carlos, outside back Kyle Smith, and central midfielder Júnior Urso. Antonio Carlos and Smith have played every minute.
28 - The power of potential
Red Bulls midfielder Caden Clark, who turned 18 just last month, has excited many American soccer observers over the past year, scoring seven goals in 16 matches in all competitions for New York. Including his time in USL, Clark has only played 28 career professional matches, but that was enough for him to earn a move up the chain to Red Bull Leipzig, who play in both the German Bundesliga and UEFA Champions League. Clark will remain with RBNY through the 2021 MLS season before heading overseas.
1.5 - FAIRWINDS Credit Union
Score up to 1.5% cash back and LionNation points when you use your FAIRWINDS Orlando City Visa® or Orlando Pride Visa® on game day purchases and everyday essentials. Apply today and get purple carded.
