The Need to Know: Orlando City vs. New York Red Bulls
When: Saturday, 7:30 p.m. ET
Where: Exploria Stadium, Orlando
Where to watch/listen
Broadcast: MLS Season Pass on Apple TV – Watch Free
English radio: Real Radio 104.1 FM
Spanish radio: Acción 97.9 FM, 810 AM
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The story
➖ The Lions enter Saturday’s fixture looking to go nine-consecutive unbeaten on opening day, having yet to lose a match in their season opener since beginning their MLS tenure in 2015. A year ago saw City take a 2-0 shutout victory over CF Montréal.
➖ This past offseason saw 10 players make their way to the City Beautiful, highlighted by the new Lions’ new Designated Player Martín Ojeda. Known as “Tincho” in the locker room, Ojeda comes to Orlando having scored 35 goals and providing 23 assists across all competitions through 139 appearances in his young career.
➖ Captain Mauricio Pereyra opted to remain in downtown Orlando this offseason, signing a two-year contract to see him remain with the Lions through 2024. The Club’s all-time assist leader with 35 helpers since joining in late 2019, Pereyra enters the weekend sitting at 98 appearances across all competitions, two away from the century mark in purple.
They said it
“At this point of the season where we have spent quite a few weeks preparing, we feel optimistic and our feelings are positive. We’re good, the boys have been training hard with some challenges that we have through the processes, like every team in Major League Soccer has, but at this point we’re just ready to go and compete. That’s what we’re waiting for.” -- Head Coach Oscar Pareja
Current Form
➖ Lions’ Last Match: Preseason: New England Revolution 2, Orlando City 1 (2/18/23, Exploria Stadium)
Goal scorer: Iván Angulo
➖ Red Bulls’ Last Match: Preseason: New York Red Bulls 2, San Jose 0 (2/18/23, Coachella Valley Invitational)
Goal scorers: Tom Barlow (2)
Scouting the opposition
➖ Series Record:6-9-2 (Home: 3-5-1, Away: 3-4-1)
➖ Last Matchup:ORL 1, RBNY 0 (8/13/22, Red Bull Arena)
If you go
Raising the Banner: Don’t miss the chance to witness history, as the 2022 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Championship banner will be revealed prior to kickoff.
“Orlando Made” Food Options: Fans asked, we listened. This season, Exploria Stadium is proud to introduce five new, local Orlando Made concession options throughout the concourse. They include: 4 Rivers Smokehouse (Sec. 31), The COOP by 4 Rivers (Sec. 9), Teak Neighborhood Grill (Sec. 18), Black Rooster Taqueria (Sec. 24) and Harrell’s Hot Dogs (Sec. 30).
Enhanced Match Day Presentation: A new season, a new show. The Club is excited to feature a new, enhanced and upgraded match day experience – including improved graphics, more fan interaction, more fun and more hype.
