Orlando City (4-7-5, 17 points) vs Los Angeles FC (9-4-3, 30 points)
When: Saturday, 7:30 p.m
Where: INTER&CO Stadium
Radio: 96.9 the Game FM, (English), Mega 97.1 (Spanish)
Here are five storylines to watch on Saturday when Orlando City SC host LAFC:
Moving On Up
2023 MLS SuperDraft selection Duncan McGuire will continue to try and move up Orlando City’s all-time scoring charts this coming weekend, sitting just one goal away from tying former Orlando City forward Chris Mueller with 22. The Omaha, Nebraska native is also just three goals away from tying Dom Dwyer for fifth all-time with 24, having passed up Tesho Akindele already this season on the Club’s charts.
Locking Down on Defense
Orlando City's defensive record has improved markedly in recent weeks after a tough start defensively to the 2024 campaign. The Lions have conceded just four goals in their last five matches, dating back to a May 15 scoreless draw and clean sheet at INTER&Co Stadium against a powerful Inter Miami CF attack. Orlando City’s defense will look to continue those efforts and keep Western Conference powerhouse LAFC off the board this weekend.
International Highlights
Orlando City midfielder César Araújo made his official debut for the Uruguayan national team at the senior international level this past week, subbing onto the field in the South American nation’s international friendly against Mexico in Denver, a 4-0 win for Uruguay. Araújo has previously featured for Uruguay’s U-23 squad four times, scoring one goal and captaining the side in their Olympic qualification tournament. Additionally, midfielder Favian Loyola scored his first goal for Chile’s U-20 national team.
Few & Far Between
Orlando City SC will take on Western Conference side LAFC for just the fifth time in Club history. The Lions’ last matchups against the Southern California-based club were in 2022 at INTER&Co Stadium and 2020 in the knockout rounds of the MLS is Back Tournament, knocking out the tournament favorites in a thrilling extra time period and penalty-kick shootout. Overall, the Lions have posted a 0-2-2 record across all competitions in their four matchups.
Going International, Again
Saturday’s matchup against LAFC will see five players return to the Lions for selection, after spending the FIFA international window with their respective national teams. Forward Duncan McGuire returns after camp with the U.S. U-23s, Abdi Salim returns after two matches with Somalia and Favian Loyola comes back to Orlando with his most recent Chile U-20 experience. Uruguayans Facundo Torres and César Araújo featured for Uruguay in their friendly against Mexico with Araújo making his senior international debut. Defender David Brekalo will remain with Slovenia after making their roster for the UEFA Euros 2024, while goalkeeper Pedro Gallese and midfielder Wilder Cartagena are expected to remain with Peru ahead of Copa America.
Milestone Tracker:
- Duncan McGuire is one goal away from tying Chris Mueller (22) for sixth on Orlando City’s all-time scoring list
- Rodrigo Schlegel is one appearance away from 100 in Major League Soccer action
- Ramiro Enrique is one appearance away from 50 across all competitions for Orlando City
