Orlando City vs New York Red Bulls (MLS Cup Playoffs)
When: Saturday, 7:30 p.m
Where: Inter&Co Stadium, Orlando, Fla
TV: MLS Season Pass on Apple TV
Radio: Real Radio 104.1, (English), Mega 97.1 (Spanish)
Here are five storylines to watch on Saturday as the Lions face the Red Bulls for a trip to MLS Cup on the line:
Last Tournament Tussle
Though this is the first Audi MLS Cup Playoffs match between the teams, Orlando City and the New York Red Bulls have played against one another in a tournament semifinal previously. On July 27, 2022, the Lions and Red Bulls met at Inter&Co Stadium in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup semifinals. After the New Jersey-based club opened the scoring late in the first half, Orlando City answered with five unanswered goals, emphatically taking the match 5-1 and ultimately claiming its first trophy in its MLS era as a result.
In Papi We Trust
Including penalty-kick shootouts, the Lions are on the better side of .500 all-time when it comes to advancing in single-match elimination games under Head Coach Oscar Pareja, moving on 12 times out of a total of 20 single-elimination matches. That record includes advancing nine times out of 12 opportunities at Inter&Co Stadium. One of Orlando City’s most memorable single-elimination matches at Inter&Co Stadium came against New York City FC in the Audi 2020 MLS Cup Playoffs when defender Rodrigo Schlegel stepped up and saved a penalty kick in the shootout after goalkeeper Pedro Gallese was given a red card.
Staying Hot at Home
Following the Lions’ 1-0 win over Atlanta United FC at Inter&Co Stadium in the Eastern Conference Semifinals, Orlando City SC holds a record of 9-1-4 in its last 14 home games, dating back to June 22, and a +22-goal differential across that same span. Orlando City is averaging 2.14 goals per home match in that same span. The last team in Major League Soccer that succeeded in keeping the Lions off the board at Inter&Co Stadium was the Columbus Crew back on May 25. The Lions have since scored in 13 straight home matches against MLS opposition. In postseason play, the Lions hold a 3-2-2 record all-time at Inter&Co Stadium.
Robin’s Record
Sunday afternoon was a big day for Orlando City captain Robin Jansson. The Swedish center officially became the first player in Club history to make 200 appearances across all competitions for the Lions. Jansson made his way to downtown Orlando in the 2019 season from Swedish powerhouse AIK and has since made 194 starts in 200 appearances, scored six goals and provided four assists, while helping lead the Lions to five consecutive appearances in the Audi 2024 MLS Cup Playoffs and their first ever appearance in the Conference Finals. In his 200th match, Jansson led the defense that conceded no shots on target against Atlanta and held the Five Stripes to 0.38 expected goals on the day.
Making History
For the first time in Club history, Orlando City SC will play in the Eastern Conference Final for a chance to play for MLS Cup presented by Audi. The Lions have advanced further in the Audi 2024 MLS Cup Playoffs than they have in previous editions of the competition, having made it to the Conference Semifinals on two prior occasions.
Milestone Tracker:
- Duncan McGuire sits tied with Kaká (25) for fourth on Orlando City’s all-time scoring list and is one goal away from taking sole possession of fourth place.
- Facundo Torres (25) is one assist away from tying former Lions captain Nani (26) for second on the Club’s all-time assist chart.
- Goalkeeper Pedro Gallese is one win away from his 75th for the Lions.
