Back in the Cup
The Lions turn their attention once more to the nation’s oldest cup competition on Wednesday, looking to punch their ticket to the Quarterfinals for the third-consecutive time dating back to 2018. In two tournament matches thus far, the side has taken a pair of 2-1 victories, first in the reigniting of the I-4 Derby against USL Championship side the Tampa Bay Rowdies, followed by a win over fellow Major League Soccer side Philadelphia Union in the Round of 32. Four different Lions have scored their first U.S. Open Cup goals along this run in Alexandre Pato, Júnior Urso, Ercan Kara and Andrés Perea.**
Against the Opposition*
Wednesday night will serve as the first meeting between Orlando City and intrastate foes Inter Miami CF in 2022, with the two sides facing off three times a year ago. The Lions went unbeaten in that stretch, taking a 2-1 victory at DRV PNK Stadium in June of last year followed by a pair of draws in August at Exploria Stadium. The midweek will mark the first time the Florida-based clubs will face off in an elimination match throughout their history.*
Continuing the Contribution
Júnior Urso recorded his seventh goal contribution of the year in all competitions on Sunday night in Austin, earning the assist on Ercan Kara’s second-minute finish. In total, The Bear has scored three goals in 2022, with four assists to add to his count. Ercan Kara and Facundo Torres follow right behind, each with six goal contributions this campaign.
Leading Up Front*
With his finish in Austin on Sunday night, DP striker Ercan Kara leads the Lions in goals scored in all competitions, now with four in 2022. Kara has found the back of the net three times in league action, along with once in the U.S. Open Cup in the Lions’ Round of 32 matchup with Philadelphia Union.*
On Both Ends
**Defender Ruan found the back of the net for the second time this year on Sunday night, good for his fourth finish for the Club in his tenure. With the finish, the Lions have now had a goal scored by a defender in each of their last four league matches, with a total of six goals from the backline this season. João Moutinho and Ruan lead the way with two apiece, while Kyle Smith and Rodrigo Schlegel have each found the back of the net once in 2022.
