Orlando City vs. LA Galaxy: Three Keys to Victory

Orlando City welcomes the LA Galaxy to Exploria Stadium for the second home match in a row. The Lions’ results have been abysmal at home, but they have an opportunity to turn things around before hitting the road again. Here are the things that the Lions need to do to secure three points at home against a Western Conference foe this weekend in the City Beautiful.

Time to Make the Goals

Orlando might run on Duncan (McGuire) but with the rookie going off last match with a potential hamstring injury, the Lions may not be able to rely on him to up his goal total against the Galaxy. That means someone else will need to find the back of the net.

Neither Ercan Kara nor Ramiro Enrique have scored in the regular season yet, so it seems they are due. If McGuire isn’t available — and perhaps even if he is — it is likely both of Orlando’s other forwards will make an appearance. My guess is Kara will get the start and will come off around the 60th minute for the speedier Enrique. 

The Galaxy have conceded 12 goals this season and are the perfect team for one or both of these players to open their 2023 MLS regular season accounts. Let’s hope it’s both.

Shut Down Chicharito

Orlando City’s defense will need to blunt the Galaxy’s attack. This is a team with Javier “Chicharito” Hernandez. Can the Lions shut down — or at least limit — Chicharito?  With Orlando City likely to employ the three center backs on the back line again, making sure he isn’t able to find space to slip in on goal will be crucial. Here’s a reminder of what he can do.

In addition to Robin Jansson, Antonio Carlos, and Rodrigo Schlegel having a good match, Cesar Araujo will need to assist in keeping LA’s star attacker contained. Fortunately, he has shown an ability and willingness to go toe to toe against the best in the league.

Under Pressure

Orlando City is winless in the last four MLS matches at Exploria Stadium. The only win was in the first match of the season against the New York Red Bulls. Streaks like that tend to create pressure to get the win. The fanbase gets restless, the coaches are looking for solutions, and the players feel the pressure to give the supporters what everyone wants.

The players have been saying the right things. They say the team is close to making it happen. They say they are working hard, that they don’t feel the pressure, and that it is just a matter of time. I hope that is all true, but until it happens, the pressure is still there…looming over the stadium like a Central Florida thunderstorm.

Other than actually going out and winning the darn match, I’m not certain that there’s much to be done about it. These are paid professionals who know their job, and simply must execute well enough to make sure the end result is a victory. Here’s hoping they do the thing.

That is what I will be looking for as the Lions take on the LA Galaxy this weekend. Let me know your thoughts in the comments below.