Orlando City at D.C. United: Three Keys to Victory

Orlando City returns to MLS play against D.C. United at Audi Field. This is a chance for Orlando City to get an important three points against a team at the bottom of the Eastern Conference. With more matches against teams above the playoff line on the horizon, the Lions must take care of business this weekend. What must Orlando City do to earn all three points against D.C. United on Saturday night?

Designated Goals

Orlando City has struggled to score goals in the last four matches across all competitions. The team only has three goals in the run of play during that time, which has resulted in one draw and three losses. With a bit of time off following the Leagues Cup (for some of the players), I want to see all three Designated Players score in this match, just like they did the last time the two teams played.

Fortunately for the Lions, D.C. United has allowed 54 goals so far in the regular season. That is nearly two goals per match. Such an opponent may be the cure for Orlando City’s lack of scoring. Did you know that D.C. United’s keeper is Luis Barraza? Neither did I. This is not a stacked defensive unit, and the Lions must take advantage of that. Orlando City scoring crooked numbers is the objective.

Stop Benteke

I know that I always say that Orlando City must stop Christian Benteke, but that doesn’t make it any less valid. Benteke may only have eight goals for D.C. this season, and oddly one of them wasn’t against Orlando City, but I think that makes it all the more important to keep him off the scoreboard.

Alex Freeman, Pedro Gallese, and David Brekalo will all return from international duty, but I expect all three to be able to start this match. With Leagues Cup in the rearview mirror, Oscar Pareja can get back to using his first-choice lineup no matter how tired they might be. Fortunately, I don’t expect any of the three will be overly tired against D.C. United.

Orlando Runs on Duncan

Remember when Orlando ran on Duncan (McGuire)? Pepperidge Farms remembers, and so do I. Hopefully, Duncan remembers. With the departure of Ramiro Enrique, Orlando City needs to get Big Dunc back in scoring form for the playoff push. I’m not saying he needs to start, but a good 30 minutes or more will help.

Most importantly, if he comes on later in the match, he might be able to overpower some tired defenders to get a goal. McGuire is a different type of forward than either Enrique or Luis Muriel, and that is a good thing. He can be a presence in the box for Muriel, Martin Ojeda, and Freeman to target with crosses. However, I don’t want to see the back flip celebration. Let’s find something else that has less chance of a shoulder injury.

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