ORLANDO, Fla. (Aug. 6, 2021) - Orlando City SC (8-4-5, 29 points) heads out on the road to take on FC Cincinnati (3-7-6, 15 points) on Saturday, Aug. 7 in what will serve as its first visit to TQL Stadium. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. ET, with coverage set to begin at 7 p.m. ET on FOX35 PLUS.
The match will be available to stream on LionNation TV in addition to being locally broadcast on FOX35 PLUS. The fixture will also be transmitted on 96.9 The Game in English and Acción 97.9FM, 810AM in Spanish.
“Logically both teams have the same challenge with the proximity of the games that we’ve had,” Head Coach Oscar Pareja said ahead of Saturday’s match. “The challenge is to arrive at the game recovered, with the same attitude and with the same drive of the team to keep rising and take the three points that are so valuable.”
City will look for its second victory of the year over the Orange & Blue, with the two sides last facing off on May 1 at Exploria Stadium. Tesho Akindele scored the earliest goal in Club history in that one, netting the eventual game-winner just 31 seconds into the match with the home side taking a 3-0 victory in the end.
The Lions come into the weekend after battling to a 1-1 draw against Inter Miami CF at the midweek at Exploria Stadium. Antonio Carlos scored the lone goal for the home side, his first of the year and second in his MLS career.
Nani leads the Lions with eight goals on the year and trails only teammate Mauricio Pereyra in the assist column with six in 2021, the City No. 10 holding the team-high with seven.
Cincinnati enters Saturday’s match after taking a scoreless draw against the New York Red Bulls on Wednesday at Red Bull Arena. Kenneth Vermeer tallied three saves in the contest to preserve the shutout for the visitors.
Luciano Acosta leads Cincinnati with four goals this season while also sitting tied for the team-high in assists with Ronald Matarrita at three apiece.
Following Saturday’s match, the Lions will take a break from MLS action as they shift their focus to a matchup against Liga MX side Santos Laguna in the 2021 Leagues Cup Quarterfinals at Exploria Stadium. Tickets for the fixture are available here or by calling (855) ORL-CITY.
