Photo courtesy of Marjorie Elzey
Who: Philadelphia Union vs Orlando City SC
What: MLS Regular Season, Matchday 36
Where: Inter&Co Stadium, Orlando, Florida
When: Wednesday, October 2, 7:30 PM EST
Watch: Apple TV Season Pass
Whistle: TBD
The Philadelphia Union travel to Orlando for the first of two away matches before returning home for their final match of the season on Decision Day. The Lions clinched a playoff berth with their 3-1 win over FC Dallas last Saturday, but continue their campaign to clinch home-field advantage in the playoffs.
Scouting Report: Orlando City SC
After a rocky start to the season which saw Orlando SC scoring only 17 goals in their first 17 matches, the tides have turned for the Lions. In their last 14 matches, they have scored 36 goals, setting them only 2 goals behind the club’s single season record.
Three players, Wilder Cartagena, Ramiro Enrique, and Duncan McGuire, are currently one caution away from a suspension/fine.
Injury Report: David Brekalo (out; thigh), Mason Stajduhar (out; lower leg); Dagur Dan Thórhallsson (out; lower leg)
Scouting Report: Philadelphia Union
The Union seem to have jolted awake in the last few games, showcasing promising production from the front trio and homegrowns alike. Philadelphia has picked up 10 points over their last 5 games, sitting at ninth place with 37 points sandwiched between Toronto FC and CF Montreál, who share that same total.
Injury Report: Isaiah LeFlore (out; knee)
Matchup to Watch: Union Defense
Orlando City’s top scorers this season have been Facundo Torres and Duncan McGuire, who’ve registered 13 and 9 goals respectively. The Union defense will have to put on a strong performance in order to break Orlando down in transition moments to overcome the Lions’ aggressiveness.
Player to Watch: Quinn Sullivan
Has anyone noticed just how badly the eldest Sullivan brother wants to score a goal lately? Try as he might, nothing seems to be working for him…but the ball is bound to find the back of the net eventually, right?
Prediction: Union 2-1 OCSC
Our loss in May (3 – 2) was minus Blake and before Baribo was in the starting line up. Uhre has regained his confidence and has a scoring partner who he has confidence in . Union have more options now with Jean Jaques and Flach playing better. Bedoyas leadership will keep the team together and Blake will be on his of his top game. Union win 3 – 0
Hoping for at least 4 points out of these next two games, although that is going to be tough. I feel tonight is the best time to get 3, so hopefully they can show up. Going to really need two solid back to back games this week. Come on the U!
Here are the officials.
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Orlando City vs Philadelphia Union
Inter&Co Stadium (7:30PM ET)
REF: Armando Villarreal
AR1: Jeremy Hanson
AR2: Peter Balciunas
4TH: Alyssa Nichols
VAR: David Barrie
AVAR: Jozef Batko