Orlando City will try to keep their four-games undefeated strokes alive when they meet the visiting New York Red Bulls on Saturday afternoon.
The game, questioned by two calculated playoffs, can have huge consequences for the eastern conference along the line. A victory for either Orlando or New York, which has the same 3-2-2 record for 11 points, could send them so far up the position as a tie for second place.
New York beat Orlando in the Eastern Conference Finals last season but pulled Lions 2-2 a month ago.
New York has to lean on its stubborn backline to cut out a victory against Orlando. Led by Omar Valencia and Noah Eile, Red Bulls can frustrate all crimes in the league. Still, before a relatively slow start, they need their unfortunate crime to find their form in Saturday’s Marquee -Matchupup.
“We know how gifted they are, and it showed in the conference final last season,” Eile told the media on Thursday. “They have so many good players, up and defend.
“It will be a tough game, but hopefully we can continue to build on the performance we had last week, and it will get us the results.”
Orlando City comes from a barren a draw on Philadelphia, where they were defended on the back foot during most of the game. They struggled to develop from the back and maintain possession throughout the game, which made a long, frustrating 90 minutes.
“Remember that in the last game (against Philadelphia) they came here, they took four shots in goal, and the result was negative,” Oscar Pareja told the media on Thursday. “I see many positive results from what we achieved in Philadelphia (last Saturday).”
Meeting another conference heavyweight in New York will require another solid performance from star players such as Marco Pasalic (four goals, one assist) and Martin Ojeda (four goals, three assists).
“When we get into this next rivalry, we will prepare as always,” Pareja said. “We will play with the same energy and understand that this is another (game). We are good. The boys are in good shape.”
Orlando welcomes the return of midfielder Cesar Araujo and Eduard Atuesta. Their presence should help Orlando in the gaming department, in order to make the link from defense to crime seamless.
-Field level media
