Orlando City’s matchup against the New England Revolution is looming large over this coming weekend. The Lions will look to get back into winning form and will have to do so without some of their key contributors.
Will Johnson, Richie Laryea and Jonathan Spector are still out with injury, Cyle Larin and Yoshi Yotun have been called up to their respective national teams and Cristian Higuita will be suspended due to yellow card accumulation. With six players set to miss this upcoming matchup, it could mark a chance for other Lions’ players to make their mark in the lineup.
One player that could make a big impact would be Hadji Barry, who has been leading the line for Orlando City B this season with eight goals in 13 games. The local UCF product has been on loan to the USL side, but has made three appearances as a late game substitute in the early parts of the MLS season. His speed and agility as well as his recent run of form would make him an excellent candidate to play up top with Dom Dwyer as the striker pairing come Saturday.
In the midfield, Dillon Powers should be able to get a more extended run after marking his debut last week with a 33 minute showing off the bench. Powers, a five-year veteran of the league, has had only a few weeks of practice with the team since being traded from the Colorado Rapids, but could get an extended run in a more attacking role with both Yotun and Higuita out.
The midfield opening could also give another veteran player, Servando Carrasco, a chance to get a good run in. The midfielder last played a game in July, coming out at halftime against Toronto FC. Carrasco has played in 11 games this season, scoring a goal against the New York Red Bulls and was a big factor in the team’s early season winning streak. Come this weekend, Carrasco could be in contention for a starting spot in the lineup.
Kickoff for the Lions’ game against the Revolution is set for 7:00 from New England, live on TV27 and MLS Live.
