Concacaf Champions League: Orlando City vs Tigres UANL (Round of 16, First Leg)
When: Tuesday, 9 p.m. ET
Where: INTER&Co Stadium, Orlando, FL
TV: FS2, TUDN USA
Radio: Real Radio 104.1, (English)
Here are five storylines to watch on Tuesday, when Orlando City SC takes on Tigres UANL for the second year in a row in the Concacaf Champions Cup:
Battle of the Big Cats
For the second straight year, Orlando City SC and Liga MX’s Tigres UANL will face off in the Round of 16 of the Concacaf Champions Cup, squaring off in the same round of last year’s edition of the continental tournament. Tigres advanced past the Lions last season following a 0-0 draw in the first leg at El Volcán in Monterrey and a 1-1 draw in the second back in Orlando, only advancing via the away goals rule.
Into The Rhythm
Tuesday’s late-night matchup between Orlando City and Tigres UANL will serve as the Lions’ fifth game in 15 days to start their 2024 campaign. By the time City completes the second leg of its Round of 16 tie with Tigres next Tuesday, March 12, the Club will have made it seven matches in 22 days, with another fixture on March 15 to add to it, forcing the Lions to find their rhythm early on to start their 2024 season.
How They Got Here
Both Tigres and the Lions took on Canadian opposition in Round One of Concacaf Champions Cup, with Orlando City matching up against Canadian Premier League side Cavalry FC and Tigres taking on MLS side Vancouver Whitecaps FC. The Lions dispatched Cavalry via a 6-1 aggregate scoreline, notching three goals in both legs against the Calgary-based side, while Tigres took down 4-1 on aggregate.
Pushing For the Next Round
Orlando City SC enters the Round of 16 looking to advance to the Concacaf Champions Cup quarterfinals for the first time in Club history. Under last year’s tournament structure, the Lions entered the competition in the Round of 16, matching up against Tigres UANL. Advancing past the Liga MX giants this year would put the Lions in the quarterfinals against the winner of Columbus Crew vs. Houston Dynamo FC and put them further in the tournament than ever before.
Moving On Up
Forward and Designated Player Facundo Torres is just two goals away from tying former Orlando City captain Nani for the second-most goals in Club history at 31 across all competitions. The Montevideo native would then trail only former Lion Cyle Larin with 44 tallies for the most all-time with the Club.
Milestone Tracker:
- Facundo Torres is two goals away from tying Nani (31) for second all-time in Orlando City history
- Pedro Gallese’s next appearance will be his 125th across all competitions for the Lions
