Two of the most dynamic attacks in MLS clash when Orlando City visit the Philadelphia Union on Saturday night in Chester, Pa.
Orlando (3-2-1, 10 points) is in the better form after consecutive victories, 4-1 at home to D.C. United two weeks ago and 2-1 at the Los Angeles Galaxy last Saturday night. Marco Pasalic and Martin Ojeda each have four goals, and Luis Muriel has three. As a team, the Lions have scored a league-high 15 times.
For a second consecutive week, Philadelphia manager Bradley Carnell has spent the week trying to devise a plan to limit some of the league’s best attackers. Last Saturday, the Union lost 2-1 to Lionel Messi and Inter Miami.
“They are very creative and very dangerous in the final third. You know, I think they have some of the highest output and volume in terms of their attacking thresholds,” Carnell said of Orlando. “I think Pasalic, (Ivan) Angulo — these guys, they’re really tough to stop if you give them time and space. So that’s going to be the order of the day.”
But the Union (4-2-0, 12 points) have already defeated Orlando once, 4-2 in Central Florida back on opening weekend.
Tai Baribo scored a brace that day, an output he has since built upon into an MLS-leading total of six goals through five appearances.
And the Union’s outburst should be a reminder of Orlando’s defensive frailties. The Lions still haven’t kept a clean sheet and conceded multiple goals in their first four games before their recent consecutive victories.
“We have some context that we can use, and surely they will do it, too,” Orlando manager Oscar Pareja said of facing a rematch so early in the season. “At this point, we have the ambition to go and fight for three points in Philadelphia.”
The Union were also unfortunate not to earn a better result in Miami, having created an abundance of chances against the Herons. Daniel Gazdag scored his second goal of the season, but both Bruno Damiani and Chris Donovan wasted good opportunities to level late.
–Field Level Media
