Orlando City SC (1-0-0) vs. FC Cincinnati (1-0-0)
When: Saturday, 7:30 p.m.
Where: Exploria Stadium, Orlando
TV/streaming: MLS Season Pass on Apple TV (subscription required)
Radio: 96.9 The Game (English) and Acción 97.9 FM (Spanish)
Tickets: View seats
Here are five storylines to watch on Saturday when Orlando City faces off against FC Cincinnati at Exploria Stadium:
Hitting the century mark
With an appearance on Saturday night, Orlando City captain Mauricio Pereyra will hit 100 appearances across all competitions in purple. Since joining the Club at the tail end of the 2019 campaign, Pereyra has tallied 35 assists, sitting as the Orlando City all-time assist leader, while netting six finishes. In reaching said milestone, Pereyra will become the third member of the active roster to accomplish such a feat, joining teammates Robin Jansson and Kyle Smith.
Back like he never left
Facundo Torres scored the eventual game-winner for the Lions on Saturday night in the 56th minute, converting from the penalty spot to give City the lead. Torres finished the 2022 campaign as the Club’s leader in goal-contributions with 25 (13 goals, 12 assists) to set a new Orlando City record, leading the Lions with five deciding finishes for the side a year ago.
El Pulpo does it again
Pedro Gallese began the Orlando City campaign with a clean sheet, posting four saves to shut out the Red Bulls on opening night. Since arriving in the City Beautiful ahead of the 2020 MLS campaign, Gallese has never allowed a goal in a season opener, now at four-consecutive years with that streak. "El Pulpo” sits as the Club’s all-time leader in clean sheets with 22 as a Lion in all competitions.
Welcome to the party
Four Lions made their Orlando City debuts on Saturday night at Exploria Stadium, with defender Luca Petrasso and midfielder Martín Ojeda each earning the start in the match. Ramiro Enrique and Dagur Dan Thórhallsson each entered the fold later in the contest, with Enrique entering in the 63rd minute and Thórhallsson in the 78th.
Against the Orange & Blue
The Lions have fared well throughout their history against Saturday’s opposition, having won two of three meetings with FC Cincinnati in downtown Orlando. Through those three contests, the Lions hold a +6 goal-differential thanks to a 5-1 victory in the two sides’ inaugural meeting in 2019 followed by a 3-0 shutout victory in 2021.
