Orlando City vs. Toronto FC: Three Keys to Victory

The loss to the Philadelphia Union was not at all how Orlando City wanted to start the 2025 season. Now, the club must move on from the 4-2 defeat in order to deal with a visiting Toronto FC Saturday night. The Lions are notorious for having slow starts to the season, but after last week, getting some points against Toronto is imperative.

How the Lions bounce back from an embarrassing defeat to start the season will determine how big the climb up to the top will be. What does Orlando City need to do to earn all three points at home against Toronto FC?

Deal with the Italian

Toronto has a forward named Federico Bernadeschi. Perhaps you’ve heard of him. He scored eight goals for Toronto last season, and he already has one this season. Granted, he scored that goal on a penalty kick against D.C. United, but he is still a dangerous player for the Canadian side.

My worry is that Bernadeschi typically lines up on the right side of Toronto’s attack, meaning it will be up to Rafael Santos to deal with him. I mentioned last week that we need “Good” Rafa to show up earlier this season. Unfortunately, it was still “Bad” Rafa we saw against the Union. His job doesn’t get any easier this week, making his performance crucial in limiting Bernadeschi’s impact.

Limit the Lapses

It took less than four minutes for Philadelphia to put the match out of reach last Saturday. Orlando Pride Head Coach Seb Hines often speaks of the importance of the times right before and right after the half. Two Union goals in the first six minutes of the second half determined the match. Orlando City cannot let that happen again.

There is a real possibility that the Lions will once again be without Robin Jansson against Toronto. The back line must limit the mistakes and mental lapses that doomed them on Saturday. In particular, Rodrigo Schlegel and David Brekalo need to find the necessary chemistry to solidify the defense against Toronto’s attack.

Keep Creating Chances

Another match, another good keeper for the opposition. This week, Orlando City will need to put the ball past Toronto’s Sean Johnson. Last weekend, the Lions created plenty of chances with 22 shots, putting nine on target, and two in the net. In many matches, that is enough to at least get a result if not a win. They need to do more of that against Toronto.

I’m not expecting Marco Pasalic to equal his production from his first match, but I liked his willingness to take shots. I was worried about Orlando City’s offensive capabilities without Duncan McGuire or another prototypical striker. Actually, I’m still worried about it, but if the Lions can continue to create chances against Toronto like they did last week against Philadelphia, that will be a good thing. Of course, finishing those chances will always be key.

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