By going against Dynamic DC United striker Christian Benteke, Orlando City goalkeeper Javier Otero has a difficult task when he gets his first MLS start on Saturday on his home level.
The 22-year-old Otero and Orlando (1-2-1, 4 points) also meet a rejuvenated page in DC (1-0-3, 6 points), which is one of only three teams in MLS ‘Eastern Conference that has not yet lost.
6-foot-6 otero will need looms large behind a struggling Lions defense, which is tied with Toronto for most goals abandoned (10) in MLS.
Otero takes over for Veteran Pedro Gallese, who is with the Peru national team for a couple of World Cup qualifiers.
Otero hopes for a better result than his MLS debut last year when he gave up three goals in relief in a 4-2 loss to New York City FC.
Orlando comes from a frustrating 2-2 road draw against the New York Red Bulls, where it gave up two disappointing goals, including one on a penalty kick.
A positive was the return of Duncan McGuire, who played for the first time this year after undergoing shoulder operation in December. McGuire scored a combined 23 goals in the last two seasons for Lions.
“I am very convinced that Duncan will soon be back to its best level,” said Orlando coach Oscar Pareja. “All he gives is good news to our defensive side.”
The last time the team met in July last year, Orlando DC 5-0 dominated. The loss extended the black and red wineless row to 11 matches (0-8-3).
However, since that defeat, DC has been another team and gone 7-3-5.
DC played CF Montreal to a speechless feature last week when first-year guard Kim Joon-Hong made three rescues to record his first MLS-clean sheet.
The black and red generated several chances, including an obvious goal by Benteke, which was wiped off because of a handball. Benteke, which has three goals this year, failed to score on eight shots against Montreal goalkeeper Jonathan Sirois (seven rescues).
“We didn’t have the same type of aggression and pressing style as you usually see,” said DC coach Troy Lesesne. “If we are so against Orlando City, they are very, very good and can hurt you.”
-Field level media
