Orlando City vs. Philadelphia Union: Three Keys to Victory

Orlando City opens the 2025 MLS regular season against the Philadelphia Union Saturday night at Inter&Co Stadium. This is an Orlando team that has shipped off more personnel than it has signed. That has me worried, but I’m open to be proven wrong, especially in this first match.

The Lions have the opportunity to start off on the front foot against an Eastern Conference opponent. What does Orlando City need to do to earn all three points at home against Philadelphia?

The Goal is More Goals

Orlando City might not have much — or any — depth at the striker position, but I still need the club to score goals. It is how you win matches after all. Martin Ojeda and Ramiro Enrique did that against Inter Miami, and I hope they keep that train running. Philadelphia’s Andre Blake will quite literally be standing in the way on Saturday night. Blake is good keeper with plenty of MLS and international experience.

I expect that Ojeda and Enrique will start, so having them score at least one goal between the two is essential. Without a prototypical striker, Orlando City will need to create a different type of scoring chance, and the Lions will need to finish any they get.

New Kids on the Block

Despite limited practice time with his new team, we saw some really good play from Eduard Atuesta against Inter Miami. With Wilder Cartagena out for the season, I’m going to need a lot more of what we saw from Atuesta all season, including this weekend against Philadelphia. He did well enough to be considered for Man of the Match last week. Please sir, may we have some more?

Meanwhile, Marco Pasalic had some good moments in the last match, but with the Designated Player tag I want even more from the left-footed winger. Perhaps he could also use his right foot? Regardless, he is the one being tasked with filling Torres’ role in Orlando City’s attack. I know it takes time for some players to adjust to MLS, but the Lions don’t have the luxury of that when it comes to Pasalic. Show us the goods, Marco.

Gimme Good Rafa

At times, Rafael Santos is an excellent left back. He can defend well, contribute in the attack, and read the game. That’s Good Rafa. Other times — like last weekend against Inter Miami — Bad Rafa shows up. Bad Rafa gets beat to the end line or into the box, he loses the player he should be marking, and gives up goal opportunities to the opposition.

Much like Torres, it can take some time for Santos to get into the rhythm of the season, but I don’t think Orlando City has the time for that to be the case against Philadelphia’s Tai Baribo or Daniel Gazdag. I need Santos to turn on the light switch, eat a good breakfast, and get his head on straight for the match this weekend.

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