Intelligence Report: Orlando City vs. New York City FC

Orlando City has hit a bit of a bumpy patch this summer, but the Lions will have plenty of opportunities to get things back on the right track in July. Orlando’s next chance to return to winning ways comes later today when it will host New York City FC at Inter&Co Stadium.

A showdown with the Pigeons means I caught up with Matthew Mangam of the always excellent Hudson River Blue. As usual, he was very helpful in bringing us up to speed on how things have been going for NYCFC, and we appreciate his assistance. I also answered some of his questions about Orlando City, so make sure you check those out over at their place!

NYCFC and Orlando are in similar positions, hovering around the edge of the Eastern Conference playoff places. What do you make of the team’s season so far?

Matthew Mangam: It’s been extremely hot and cold. NYCFC is undefeated against the Eastern Conference’s top five teams: Philadelphia, FC Cincinnati, Nashville, Columbus, and Inter Miami, but lost twice to bottom dwellers CF Montréal. New York City is tied for the third-best team at home in MLS this season, but on the road, they’ve only won once in 10 games. I think there are plenty of positives with the team, but NYCFC needs to figure out how to get results away from New York.

With 27 goals in 21 games, scoring seems to be something that’s holding NYCFC back a little bit. What do you make of the scoring numbers, and how does the team juice its offense a little more?

MM: Once attacking midfielder Santiago Rodríguez left this winter, NYCFC lost a key secondary scorer who consistently contributed goals and stepped up when striker Alonso Martínez wasn’t producing. Martínez was New York City’s leading goal scorer for most of the season, but winger Hannes Wolf notched back-to-back braces recently and leads the team with nine goals. 

But NYCFC still needs to get more out of its other wingers. Julián Fernández hasn’t scored since May 4, while Agustín Ojeda attempted his first shot on target this season last Saturday. The two have shown potential in the past, but it hasn’t been seen as much this year. 

Who are two players that Orlando City fans should have an eye on in this match?

MM: Like I said earlier, Wolf and Martínez. They’ve combined for 17 of NYCFC’s 27 goals scored this year. I’m going to add a bonus third player for fun: Mitja Ilenič. If the Slovenian fullback starts, he’ll be a threat. In Ilenič’s last start against Toronto, he notched his second goal and assist of the season in a dominant offensive performance. I think he should start over Tayvon Gray, who hasn’t been in great form recently. 

Will any players be unavailable due to injuries, suspensions, etc.? What is your projected starting XI and score prediction?

MM: No suspensions, but I’m confident Keaton Parks and Malachi Jones will remain out due to injury. Fernández is confirmed to be out on Wednesday. I’m not sure if it’s personal or an injury.

Lineup: Matt Freese; Kevin O’Toole, Justin Haak, Thiago Martins, Mitja Ilenič; Andres Perea, Maxi Moralez, Aiden O’Neill; Hannes Wolf, Alonso Martínez, Agustin Ojeda.

I think it’ll be a 1-1 tie.

Thank you again to Matthew for helping get us caught up on NYCFC. Vamos Orlando!