Orlando City vs. New York Red Bulls: Three Keys to Victory

Orlando City opens the 2026 MLS Season at Inter&Co Stadium on Saturday against the New York Red Bulls. It’s been a very odd — and somewhat disappointing — off-season, but the Lions have an opportunity to prove the skeptics wrong in this Eastern Conference clash. What must Orlando City do to earn all three points against the Red Bulls on Saturday night?

Back Line Blues

As Michael Citro and I said on The Mane Land PawedCast, the primary key matchup is Orlando City’s back line against the Red Bulls’ attack. The addition of Griffin Dorsey at right back is a welcome development, but even if he starts, he will need time to adjust to Oscar Pareja’s system and his new teammates. Iago is new and you can expect him to make mistakes. David Brekalo is readjusting to the center back role and effectively being the leader of the defense. Adrian Marin is the least worrisome part of the back line.

The Red Bulls have Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting, Cade Cowell, and Emil Forsberg on offense, along with the recently acquired Jorge Ruvalcaba. Orlando City’s back line has not had much time together, let alone enough to be considered a cohesive unit. If the Red Bulls get in behind the defensive midfield, it might be a long night for the Lions. How well the back line deals with the Red Bulls offense will go a long way towards determining the outcome.

Outscoring is a Plan

If the back line is at the level mentioned above, it will be critical for the Orlando City offense to score enough goals to overcome any conceded. This isn’t an impossible ask. Martin Ojeda should be back to health after whatever cold he was dealing with last week. We know that Marco Pasalic and Duncan McGuire can score goals. Even Tyrese Spicer and Eduard Atuesta have goals to contribute. Tiago looked to be a potential threat last week though he’s still learning the system.

Standing in the way is the USMNT’s Ethan Horvath in goal. Like Orlando City, New York has retooled the back line. The Lions will likely face center backs Tim Parker and Robert Voloder, with Omar Valencia and Justin Che at left and right fullback, respectively. There is opportunity early in the season for this defense to be exploited. Given Orlando City’s own challenges on the back line, scoring several goals will be crucial.

Control the Midfield

In Orlando City’s final preseason match against the Colorado Rapids the Lions were able to control the midfield effectively. That is something the team should look to do again against the Red Bulls. The more possession Orlando City keeps, the fewer opportunities New York will have to penetrate a new back line. Of course, the midfield will contribute to how effective the Lions are at achieving the other two keys above.

How effectively Braian Ojeda and/or Wilder Cartagena are able to sniff out danger before it gets to the back line will go a long way to keeping New York off the scoreboard. Moving up the field, Eduard Atuesta is going to link up with Ojeda and Pasalic to create opportunities. If Orlando City’s midfield — the deepest part of the lineup — can set the tone for the match, it will make a big difference in the outcome.

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