Orlando City vs. Cruz Azul: Three Keys to Victory

Orlando City hosts Cruz Azul at Inter&Co Stadium Friday in the team’s first Leagues Cup knockout game. The Lions will attempt to extend their seven-match undefeated streak against the Liga MX opponent. Cruz Azul advanced to the knockout round on penalty kicks against the Philadelphia Union.

What do the Lions need to do to defeat Cruz Azul in the knockout round of the Leagues Cup?

Defensive Midfield Masters

Wilder Cartagena and Cesar Araujo have once again found the magic that made them one of the best defensive midfield pairings in MLS last season. The pair is the first line of defense and often starts the attack. Cartagena and Araujo have been excellent as of late and will be essential if Orlando City is to keep the Cruz Azul attack in check. Cruz Azul has been good in the midfield in its previous matches. Cartagena and Araujo can present a big challenge for the Liga MX squad.

Stop Giakoumakis

Orlando City is familiar with Cruz Azul’s Giorgos Giakoumakis from his time at Atlanta United. That might come in handy for the back line and Pedro Gallese when defending the striker. The bulk of the responsibility will fall on the center backs. I expect Robin Jansson and David Brekalo to get the start, though we might still see Rodrigo Schlegel.

If Cruz Azul runs a 5-3-2 like it did against the Philadelphia Union, Giakoumakis will likely line up on the right up top. With Kyle Smith serving a red card suspension, we know that Rafael Santos is likely to get the start at left back. Santos cannot afford a slow start against Giakoumakis. How well he does locking down the left flank may determine how potent the Cruz Azul attack will be.

Ride the Hot Foot

Ramiro Enrique has scored a goal in six consecutive matches across all competitions. That is an Orlando City record. Whatever he’s having for breakfast, or whatever hair gel he’s using, he needs to keep doing whatever it is that is giving him the confidence to score goals. If he can keep the momentum going against Cruz Azul, it will go a long way to helping Orlando City advance.

There are those who might want to see Duncan McGuire back in the starting lineup now that he has returned from the Olympics. If Enrique had not been scoring, then it would be exactly what I’d expect. However, once Oscar Pareja finds a lineup that works, he tends to keep using it. As such, Enrique will likely get the start again with McGuire coming off the bench.

That is what I will be looking for Friday night. Let me know your thoughts in the comments below. Vamos Orlando!