Orlando City SC (5-4-5, 20 points) vs Colorado Rapids (2-8-7, 13 points)
When: Saturday, 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)
Brace Yourself
Designated Player Facundo Torres scored his first brace of the season during the second half against the New York Red Bulls, the first Lion in the 2023 campaign to record a brace. Torres’ first goal came by way of a penalty kick, doubling the advantage after forward Iván Angulo’s first-half finish. Torres found the back of the net one more time during the second half, adding the insurance to secure the victory for City. Following his performance, the Uruguayan was named to the MLS Team of the Matchday, his second such honor of the campaign.
El Pulpo Approaching History
Goalkeeper Pedro “El Pulpo” Gallese recorded his fifth clean sheet across all competitions in the 2023 season to extend his own Club-record to 26 shutouts as a Lion. Currently, the franchise record holder in goalkeeper appearances (99), netminder minutes played (8978), and goalkeeper wins (43), Gallese is set to become the first Orlando City goalkeeper to reach 100 appearances across all competitions for the Lions should he get the start on Saturday.
The Angulo Angle
Midfielder Iván Angulo scored his third goal of the season on Saturday night while also tallying his first assist of the campaign against the New York Red Bulls. Of Angulo’s trio of finishes in 2023, two have decided the match for the Lions, leading the Club in game-winning goals this campaign. Following his performance, Angulo was named to the MLS Team of the Matchday, his first such honor since joining the Lions midway through the 2022 season.
Last Time in The City Beautiful
The Lions will host the Colorado Rapids for the first time since 2019 on Saturday night, with their last meeting resulting in a thrilling 4-3 victory for the side. City was backed by a brace from former captain Nani, with his pair of finishes serving as his first goals in MLS, with former Lions forwards Tesho Akindele and Chris Mueller also finding the back of the net. Through seven previous meetings, the Lions have taken the victory four times, with three of those wins coming in downtown Orlando.
Manager of the Matchday
Orlando City Head Coach Oscar Pareja reached yet another milestone over the weekend, earning his 50th victory across all competitions at the helm for the Lions. Since taking over prior to the 2020 campaign, Pareja has led the Lions to three-consecutive berths in the Audi MLS Cup Playoffs while leading the side to its first trophy in the MLS era by winning the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup in 2022. Following Saturday’s match, Pareja was named MLS Coach of the Matchday, his second honor of the campaign, both of which have come within the last month.
Milestone Tracker
- Goalkeeper Pedro Gallese is one appearance away from 100 in all competitions in purple.
- Iván Angulo’s next appearance will serve as his 30th in all competitions.
- Antonio Carlos’ next start will be his 85th as a Lion.
