Orlando City vs. D.C. United: Three Keys to Victory

Orlando City returns to Exploria Stadium to take on Wayne Rooney and his darned D.C.United. The two teams drew 1-1 when they met in Week 3 of the season, but now I’m wanting the team to get an elusive home win against the Black and Red. Here are the things that the Lions need to do to secure three points at home against D.C. United this weekend at Exploria Stadium.

Goals, Goals, Goals

Orlando City has two matches in which the club has scored two goals. Both of those were away matches — the 2-1 win at Philadelphia and the 2-1 win last weekend at Minnesota. The Lions have yet to score more than one goal in a match at Exploria Stadium this season, and they may need to do so to secure a win against visiting D.C. United.

Orlando City has scored seven goals all season with four different scorers. Martin Ojeda, Ivan Angulo, and Duncan McGuire each have two, and Facundo Torres has one. Fortunately, four of those seven have come in the last three matches. The buildup play is getting better, and as such, so are the scoring chances.

D.C. has conceded 12 goals so far this season, posting only two clean sheets in eight matches. Tyler Miller mans the goal for D.C., with a back line that includes veteran center back Steve Birnbaum in front of him. With 12 goals shipped so far, it seems that Orlando City should have some opportunities to get the two-plus goals wanted. Whether or not the Lions take advantage of that may be the difference. 

Moving Forward

All of that begs the question of which players will score those goals? We saw Ercan Kara on the bench for Orlando City last match, though he didn’t make an appearance. I fully expect him to either start but be subbed off at half, or come on some time after the hour mark against D.C. When you have a DP-level striker it’s a good idea to get him some minutes.

That is not to take away from Duncan McGuire’s performances. The rookie has acquitted himself well in his limited minutes, and he is currently tied for most goals as noted above. However, he is still a rookie. It’s one thing to come off the bench, against defenders with tired legs, and something else to start the match. He absolutely has a nose for goal, but currently there isn’t a lot of tape on him for the opposition to study. 

That leaves Ramiro Enrique as the other striker. Enrique has been getting the start for Oscar Pareja with Kara unavailable, but the youngster hasn’t been able to find the net. He is likely still adjusting to MLS and his new team, but getting the first goal out of the way sooner will be better than later. I think Enrique will get the start this match, but will make way for Kara in the second half.

Regardless of which striker or strikers play, Orlando City needs more production from the position and that needs to start against D.C.

Dealing with Fountas and Benteke

Taxi Fountas is one of those players who tends to be a thorn in Orlando City’s side. Keeping him from either scoring or setting up his teammates for goals is a big focus. Speaking of big, the Lions also need to account for Christian Benteke. Even at 32 years old, the forward is a formidable presence up top for D.C. 

Fortunately, the Lions have Antonio Carlos back from injury, and he should get the start beside his partner in defense, Robin Jansson. I’ll be curious if Pareja once again goes with the three center back defensive line, or if he’ll go back to four at the back. It might depend on how he feels about Kyle Smith at right back with Michael Halliday still banged up.

Unfortunately, Fountas and Benteke aren’t D.C.’s only weapons, and Orlando City will need to deal with the attack. Hopefully, the Lions can finally win another in Exploria Stadium in 2023 and have it be at the expense of Wayne Rooney.

That is what I will be looking for as the Lions take on D.C. United for the second time this season. Let me know your thoughts in the comments below.