Orlando City is undefeated against Chicago since entering MLS in 2015, but face a more difficult challenge this time around.
The Fire have totally revamped their roster this season with Designated Player additions that have lived up to expectations. Offseason acquisitions such as Bastian Schweinsteiger, Dax McCarty, and Nemanja Nikolic have all been a huge part of the Fire’s success. A team that scored just 42 goals for the entirety of the 2016 season, Chicago has already scored 23 goals in 2017 with nearly two thirds of the season yet to be played. The team from the Windy City has also been stingy defensively – recording five shutouts on the season – but they have primarily relied on their dominating midfield and clinical finishing to surge into second place in the Eastern Conference.
The Lions are a point behind Chicago in the Eastern Conference standings and, with a win on Sunday night at Orlando City Stadium, the Lions will leapfrog Chicago to take second place in a highly competitive Eastern Conference.
Head Coach Jason Kreis and Orlando City are keenly aware of the quality Chicago possesses, especially in midfield: “Very, very dangerous team. They’re in really good form at the moment and feeling good about themselves,” Kreis explained at the team’s training session Thursday morning. “Schweinsteiger in the midfield, probably Juninho as well and McCarty with the national team so strength in midfield and guys that can score goals and make plays up top.”
Kreis also noted Orlando City’s quick turnaround after a game midweek against D.C. United; and that Chicago has had a full week of preparation for their trip to Orlando City Stadium. Those extra days on the training field for the Fire compound the challenge Orlando City will face this weekend. Kreis and the Lions will not use that as an excuse, though, as Orlando City, like they have all season long, will be after the three points Sunday night at the Fortress.
A lot has been made of Bastian Schweinsteiger’s debut season in MLS – and rightfully so. A World Cup winner with Germany and seasoned pro with both Bayern Munchen and Manchester United, the legendary midfielder enters the League with similar pedigree as Orlando City’s Kaka. Schweinsteiger has tallied two goals and three assists so far this season, but his presence is mainly felt as a midfield anchor. His ability to control tempo and win 50/50 balls in the middle third of the field have made him a force to be reckoned with in world soccer for over a decade.
There is no doubt Orlando City will have their hands full with the German and respect Chicago’s quality all over the field. But as we know, the Lions fear no opponent. Orlando City will be motivated and ready to defend their home field against the Fire in front of the loudest fans in Major League Soccer.
