Orlando City (4-6-4, 16 points) at Chicago Fire FC (2-8-5, 11 points)
When: Wednesday, 8:30 p.m
Where: Soldier Field, Chicago, IL
Radio: 96.9 the Game FM, (English), Mega 97.1 (Spanish)
Here are five storylines to watch on Wednesday when Orlando City SC take on the Chicago Fire:
Putting Out the Fire
Orlando City SC has done historically well against Chicago Fire FC since Head Coach Oscar Pareja joined the Club ahead of the 2020 Major League Soccer Season. In their last seven meetings against the Fire, the Lions have posted a 5-1-1 record against the Illinois-based side and enter the midweek matchup on a three-game winning streak against Chicago. Prior to the Colombian coach’s arrival in the City Beautiful, the Lions held a 2-5-5 record against the Fire across all competitions.
Sweeping Up Chicago
Last season, Orlando City handled its business against the Fire taking a pair of 3-1 wins to sweep the regular-season series against Chicago with the most recent meeting being a 3-1 win for the Lions at Soldier Field on August 20. The road win over the fire kicked off a strong end to the season for Orlando City, with the Lions going on an 8-1-2 to end the regular season that started on August 20 in Chicago. Midfielder Wilder Cartagena and forwards Iván Angulo and Facundo Torres all found the back of the net for Orlando in that last matchup.
Climbing on Up
Uruguayan forward Facundo Torres will be looking to climb the ranks even further on Orlando City’s all-time scoring chart in Club history this weekend. Torres’ next goal will be his 32nd all-time for the Lions and will take him past former captain Nani for sole possession of second place in Club history. Torres has already scored four goals across all competitions in 2024 and played two consecutive games in which he’s contributed to a goal, with one goal and an assist across that span.
Road Warriors
The Lions have once again been a force to be reckoned with when playing away matches in MLS so far this season. Orlando City currently holds the sixth-best road record in Major League Soccer to date and has posted a 3-0-1 record away from home in its last four road matches. Continuing a trend for the Club last season, the Lions posted the best away record in MLS in 2023 and have picked up 10 points away from home to date in 2024.
Racking Up Records
Orlando City defender and captain Robin Jansson is one appearance away from his 175th for the Lions across all competitions, which would extend his Club record in the category. The Swedish center back leads the Lions all-time in appearances (174), starts (168) and minutes played (16,367). Since joining Orlando City at the beginning of the 2019 campaign, Jansson has scored five goals and provided four assists as a defender.
Milestone Tracker:
- Facundo Torres' next goal will be his 32nd across all competitions, giving him sole possession of second all-time in Orlando City history
- Duncan McGuire is one goal away from tying Chris Mueller (22) for sixth on Orlando City’s all-time scoring list
- Robin Jansson is one appearance away from 175 across all competitions for the Lions
