Starting Out Strong
Orlando City has historically started out on the front foot when facing a new expansion team in MLS for the first time, having recently won four consecutive first-time matches in MLS. Most recently, the Lions defeated Charlotte FC 2-1 on April 30 at Exploria Stadium. Ruan and Facundo Torres both scored in the match to secure the win for City.
El Soldado Coming Up Big
Defender Kyle Smith is coming off of a big weekend, having scored the game-winner in second-half stoppage time of Orlando City’s 1-0 win over Toronto FC on May 14, just the second goal of his City career, earning an appearance on the MLS Team of the Week Bench. After all that, should he appear in this weekend’s match at Austin FC he’ll be making his 75th regular-season appearance for the Lions.
Duck Duck GOAL
Orlando City has tallied 22 total goals across all competitions this year and forward Alexandre Pato has been a huge contributor to the growing number. The Pato Branco native has scored three of those goals himself this season and has provided the assist to his teammates on an additional three. His most recent contribution was the assist on Kyle Smith’s game-winner in stoppage time against Toronto FC last weekend.
Moutinho Playing for 5,000
João Moutinho will reach 5,000 minutes played with Orlando City with just five minutes of playing time should he appear in the match at Austin FC. Moutinho currently leads the Lions in minutes played this season and has played in all but three minutes. He currently ranks fifth in MLS in minutes played this season (1,077), trailing Rémi Walter (1,080) as the only field player with more.
50 for Rodrigo
Argentine defender Rodrigo Schlegel could make his 50th appearance for Orlando City in all competitions this Sunday. The 25-year-old scored the first goal of his professional career earlier this year on April 16 against the Columbus Crew. Schlegel joined the Lions from Racing Club ahead of the 2020 MLS Regular Season.
Pulpo Dominating MLS
Orlando City goalkeeper Pedro Gallese kept a clean sheet in the Club’s last match against Toronto FC, his sixth of 2022. The number is good enough to lead all goalkeepers in MLS this season and to get him named to the MLS Team of the Week, presented by Audi, in Week 12. Gallese’s next clean sheet will tie his Orlando City career high at seven, which he set in 2021.
