Check out what to watch for, powered by Verizon, as the Lions host Red Bull to open the MLS season.
New Faces
Orlando City returns to action after nearly four months off the field with a revamped roster featuring nine new first‑team additions, including three U-22 Initiative signings and newly acquired right back Griffin Dorsey from Houston. The Lions added title‑winning goalkeeper Maxime Crépeau, made a major midfield move for Braian Ojeda, and strengthened every line with rising Brazilian talents Tiago, Luís Otávio and Iago. Returning midfielder Wilder Cartagena reunites with Eduard Atuesta and Ojeda to form one of MLS’ strongest central units. The Lions also added Homegrown forward Justin Ellis from the Academy and Orlando City B. Orlando also continued its MLS SuperDraft success, signing two first‑round picks – Wake Forest forward Harvey Sarajian and Michigan center back Nolan Miller – as the Club blends experience, youth and international pedigree heading into the 2026 season.
The Fortress
Orlando City will open its 12th consecutive Major League Soccer season at home, extending a streak that began with the club’s inaugural MLS campaign in 2015. The Lions will look to bounce back after their long unbeaten run in home openers was snapped last year by the Philadelphia Union. Orlando enters the 2026 season with a 3-1-7 all‑time record on opening day and will aim to start a new streak when it hosts Red Bull New York on Saturday evening at Inter&Co Stadium.
Veteran Presence
Orlando City also returns key veterans from its 2025 campaign, including midfielder Martín Ojeda, who signed a new contract this offseason that keeps him in Purple through the 2028‑29 Major League Soccer season. Ojeda is coming off the most productive attacking season in club history, finishing with 20 goals and 19 assists across all competitions for the Lions. He is joined by fellow Designated Player, forward Marco Pašalić, who delivered a standout debut season with 15 goals, six assists and an MLS All‑Star selection.
Chasing History
Midfielder Martín Ojeda enters the 2026 season on the verge of several major Orlando City milestones, sitting just five assists shy of tying former captain Mauricio Pereyra’s club record of 47 helpers across all competitions. The Argentine playmaker also has a chance to climb the Lions' scoring charts; he would need 14 goals to match Facundo Torres’ all‑time record of 47. With 17 goals and eight assists, the Gualeguaychú, Argentina native would become the first player in Orlando City history to reach 50 in either category, positioning him to further cement his status as one of the most productive attackers the club has ever seen.
Hrvatski Junak
Marco Pašalić has a chance to make club history on Saturday night, entering the 2026 opener one goal away from becoming Orlando City’s all‑time leading scorer on MLS opening days. The Designated Player made an immediate impact in his debut last season, scoring twice to match former forward Cyle Larin’s long‑standing mark for most goals by a Lion in a season opener. A goal against Red Bull New York this weekend would give the Croatian dynamo the record outright and add another milestone to his rapid rise as one of Orlando’s most dangerous attacking threats.
Milestone Tracker:
-Duncan McGuire’s next goal will be his 31st for Orlando City in all competitions, tying former captain Nani for fourth all-time
