3 - Chris Mueller goals
Orlando City third-year winger Chris Mueller has been on fire in the MLS is Back Tournament, scoring three goals through the Lions’ first two games. Mueller is currently third in the tournament Golden Boot race behind Toronto FC’s Ayo Akinola and LAFC’s Diego Rossi. Mueller is currently on 12 goals for his MLS career and needs one more to tie his career-high of five in a single season, set last year.
75% - Precision in attacking half
Orlando City were precise with their passing against NYCFC, completing 82% of their passes overall and a terrific 75% in the attacking half of the field. Orlando’s midfield three of Mauricio Pereyra, Júnior Urso, and Uri Rosell, along with playmaking winger Nani, were instrumental in keeping the Lions connected and ball-dominant, particularly early on in the match.
7 - Big time saves
Both Orlando City and Philadelphia Union have two wins in two games so far in the MLS is Back Tournament, and both clubs can thank their goalkeepers for the perfect records. Philly’s Andre Blake recorded seven stops against NYCFC in the Union’s opener on July 9, which they went on to win 1-0. NYCFC were then foiled by Orlando’s Pedro Gallese, who also made seven saves to deny the Pigeons, including a ludicrous double reaction save just before Orlando’s third goal. Both keepers are the No. 1 for their respective national teams–Blake for Jamaica, Gallese for Peru.
1 - Points required
The Lions do not need to defeat Philadelphia on Monday night in order to win Group A, although they’d certainly like to (and it wouldn’t hurt their place in the regular season table). Because of their superior goal differential, all Orlando need is a draw to top Group A and go into the Round of 16 facing a third-place wild card team, rather than the second-place team in Group C. There’s another perk, too–the Group A winner will play their knockout match at 8 pm on Saturday, while the second-place team will play at 10:30.
1.5 - FAIRWINDS Credit Union
Score up to 1.5% cash back and LionNation points when you use your FAIRWINDS Orlando City Visa® or Orlando Pride Visa® on game day purchases and everyday essentials. Apply today and get purple carded.
