Last Time in the 513
Friday night marks the first time that City will play in Cincinnati’s West End since October 16 of last year. The Lions took a 1-0 victory in that match, with midfielder Júnior Urso slotting home the eventual game-winner in the 13th minute of play.
Lending a Helping Hand
Orlando City midfielder and captain Mauricio Pereyra is currently tied for most assists in the league in 2022. Both Pereyra and New England Revolution’s Carles Gil have provided eight helpers to their teammates so far this season. The Uruguayan midfielder has totaled 32 assists across all competitions in his Orlando City career, a Club-record.
Clutch Gene
With his game-winning goal against Houston Dynamo FC last time out, forward Ercan Kara has two game-winners on the year for the Lions, tied with midfielder Facundo Torres for the team lead. Orlando City has received game-winners from three other players so far in 2022, with goals from defenders Rodrigo Schlegel and Kyle Smith and forward Alexandre Pato securing wins in previous matches for the Club.
Lockdown Defense
João Moutinho is currently leading the league in tackles won with 34 so far this season, breaking the deadlock with Columbus Crew’s Pedro Santos (33). The defender has already doubled his total tackles won from last season (16). Moutinho has started all 16 games this campaign for the Lions and sits in the top 10 for most minutes played across the entire league with 1,437.
Undefeated at TQL
Orlando City returns to TQL Stadium this Friday looking to maintain its undefeated record at FC Cincinnati’s West End stadium. The Lions currently hold a 1-0-1 record through their first two visits at Cincinnati’s new venue, taking a 1-1 draw in their inaugural visit on August 7, 2021 and a 1-0 victory over the hosts on October 16 later that year.
For Club & Country
Defender Mikey Halliday remains on international duty with the U-20 U.S. National Team, having appeared in each of the side’s group stage matches thus far at the 2022 Concacaf U-20 Men’s Championship. Halliday came off the bench to make his U-20 debut for the Stars and Stripes in their 10-0 defeat of St. Kitts and Nevis to open the competition on Saturday before earning the start against Canada on Monday night. Halliday and the U.S. are set to close group play on Wednesday evening, taking on Cuba.
Milestone Tracker
- Road to 100 Appearances:
- Ruan’s next outing will serve as his 98th in purple.
- Benji Michel’s next appearance will be his 97th for the Club.
- Tesho Akindele is two goals away from 20 for Orlando City.
