Orlando City SC (4-4-3, 15 points) at NYCFC (4-5-3, 15 points)
When: Wednesday, 7:30 p.m.
Where: Exploria Stadium, Orlando
TV: MLS Season Pass on Apple TV (free match)
Radio: 96.9 The Game (English), Acción 97.9 FM (Spanish)
Tickets: View seats
Battling the Pigeons
Orlando City and New York City FC have had a ton of tough, evenly-fought matches since both teams joined the league in 2015. The Lions currently hold a 7-7-6 record against the Pigeons in the MLS regular season. City were also able to get the better of NYCFC in their only meeting in the Audi MLS Cup Playoffs back in 2020, thanks to Rodrigo Schlegel’s heroics in the penalty shootout. Going back to last year, the two sides split the season series with each home team pulling out the victory in their respective matches.
Dun-HIM McGuire
City forward Duncan McGuire found the back of the net again for the Lions in their last match against the Columbus Crew. McGuire came on as a second-half substitute and scored in stoppage time of the second half to help earn a come-from-behind 2-2 draw against the fellow Eastern Conference side. The goal served as the latest goal the Lions have scored so far this season coming in the 92nd minute and also served as the second goal McGuire has scored this campaign beyond the 88th minute. The 2023 MLS SuperDraft pick’s four goals lead the team this season.
Kara on Fi-ya
Fellow City forward Ercan Kara also found the back of the net for the Lions in their draw against the Crew. Kara took a fancy first touch to help the ball get out from under his feet and then found himself one-on-one with the Crew goalkeeper and made no mistake with the finish. The Designated Player has scored two goals in his last three starts and has scored three goals during the 2023 campaign across all competitions, trailing only McGuire.
Name a Better Duo, I’ll Wait
Facundo Torres picked up the assist on the Kara goal threading a beautifully weighted pass through the backline of the Crew. The assist is the first of the season for Torres to go along with his two goals. Torres provided an assist to Kara in the Club’s last trip to Lower.com Field last season, making it the second-consecutive trip that the duo has combined for a goal on the road against the Crew.
Peruvian Puff Pepper
Goalkeeper Pedro Gallese made yet another incredible late game save for City to preserve the point against Columbus. The stop came in the 94th minute when a ball took a quick deflection off defender Kyle Smith and sent the ball the opposite direction that Gallese was moving. Gallese used his ‘El Pulpo’ instincts and was able to reach a hand out, deflecting the ball away from the net and making sure that City walked out of Columbus with a point. The Peruvian international has 30 saves in 10 starts in the 2023 campaign.
Milestone Tracker
- Midfielder Mauricio Pereyra is two starts away from 100 in all competitions.
- Kyle Smith is one start away from 75 across all competitions.
- Head Coach Oscar Pareja is two wins away from 50 wins across all competitions at the helm of the Lions.
Don't miss Kickoff -60, airing one hour before Orlando City's match against Columbus, exclusively on the LionNation App. Join host Gabrielle Amado and Orlando City’s English-language radio talents Evan Weston and Paul Shaw as they break down the upcoming match, with special guests appearing regularly throughout the season.
Fans can download the LionNation App at the link here.
