With only two games left in the regular season, Orlando City has very little time left to climb up the standings before the postseason begins.
The Lions (14-7-11, 53 points) welcome the Vancouver Whitecaps (17-9-6, 60 points) Saturday at 7:30 p.m. for a game that was meant to take place on Aug. 30 but had to be rescheduled after Orlando advanced to the semifinals in the Leagues Cup.
“We are concentrating on the preparation for this one match. It is the last one at home in the regular season,” Orlando coach Oscar Pareja said. “[Vancouver is] a team that we don’t usually play against, but a team that has been playing well during the season, too. Very attractive game, for sure.”
Vancouver has been electric this season, led by the excellent form of Brian White (16G, 1A) and Sebastian Berhalter (4G, 10A) en route to a league-best 63 goals this season. While the Whitecaps are without White due to a hamstring injury, German icon Thomas Müller (5G, 3A in five matches) has been sensational since joining the club in August.
Orlando’s offense has been impressive as well, scoring a club-record 60 goals. Martin Ojeda (16G, 9A) has been the leader of the team, and his play both on and off the ball has been revolutionary for Orlando’s attack. He will be counted on to deliver once again in a game that promises to be an exciting showdown.
The Lions will be without several key players due to the international break. Alex Freeman, Marco Pašalić, David Brekalo, and Tyrese Spicer were all called up for their national teams and will miss this game. They have all been key players this season, and Orlando will need to count on role players to help fill the massive void left by these absences.
Vancouver is also without some key players, most notably forward Ali Ahmed. Andrés Cubas and Jayden Nelson are other important contributors who will be absent due to the international break.
If Orlando can use players such as Dagur Dan Thorhallsson and Kyle Smith to overcome the absences, the Lions can overcome a difficult challenge and earn a crucial three points at home.