Orlando City’s Starting Striker Situation Entering the FC Dallas Match

For much of the season, Orlando City has only had two legitimate strikers available. It was either Duncan McGuire or Ramiro Enrique, depending on availability and who had the hot foot. In the last few matches, Luis Muriel has come on strong, including scoring a brace against the Columbus Crew.

So, which striker should get the start up top against FC Dallas on Saturday?

Duncan McGuire

McGuire got the last start against Columbus and was held in check during his time on the pitch. He only managed 12 touches and one off-target shot. It wasn’t a great night from McGuire, but to be fair, he wasn’t the only one having trouble in the first half, and he had scored in his previous two matches.

FC Dallas is not the Columbus Crew, though the team does have some height on the back line. Having a big guy like McGuire able to go toe to toe with Sebastien Ibeagha, Omar Gonzalez, and Marco Farfan would be helpful. McGuire does have a nose for goal, and he won’t get pushed around inside the box.

Ramiro Enrique

Enrique came off the bench for McGuire against the Crew, and he started the comeback attempt for the Lions. His strike was a poacher’s goal, but they all count the same. He put himself in the right position to get that goal, which is definitely one of his skills as a striker. He’s a bit sneaky inside the box, allowing him to get goals like that.

The issue with Enrique is his size. He can certainly get knocked off the ball and has almost no chance of winning a header against Dallas’ back line. That being said, he has improved greatly, and did not play as many minutes as McGuire did in the previous match.

Luis Muriel

For most of the season, Orlando City supporters wondered if the front office made a mistake bringing in Muriel. It can take time for players outside of MLS to get a feel for the league. Sometimes it takes way longer than we hope. I had just about given up on Muriel, if I’m being honest, but it seems to have finally clicked for him in the last few matches.

Muriel earned a brace against the Crew, and he really should get an assist on Enrique’s goal. The Colombian set up McGuire’s goal to seal the Charlotte game. He has looked good coming off the bench the last few matches. Has his production earned him a start against Dallas? The one issue I have is that he’s more comfortable playing a little further back. If so, does he occupy the same space as Martin Ojeda or Facundo Torres? Of course, Oscar Pareja does like the hot foot, and that foot currently belongs to Muriel.

Ultimately, I would give Duncan the start, with the hope he’s able to use his size better in the box against Dallas’ defenders. I want to know what you think, so please vote in the poll below, and let me know your reasons in the comments section.