Two of the best teams in the MLS at the moment will be facing off in a clash that promises strong emotions in the Eastern Conference this weekend. In second place in the table, FC Cincinnati will square off against Orlando City, who are in fifth place and looking to move up the table ahead of the playoffs.
Orlando City has a positive record against its rivals
Orlando City come into the match with a record of nine wins from 19 games in the current MLS season, with 33 points and in fifth place. The Lions finished fourth last season and were beaten in the conference finals by the NY Red Bulls, showing an increase in performance in recent years.
Last Wednesday's 1-0 win over the Colorado Rapids maintained their recent positive record, and the head-to-head record is in favor of the Lions, who beat FC Fincinnati in the last meeting between the two in October 2024. Considering the last three matches, two have ended in Lions victories.
The Orlando side will be missing Duncan McGuire, Wilder Cartagena and Yutaro Tsukada through injury, but Martin Ojeda and Marco Pasalic, two top-class starters, are confirmed.
FC Cincinnati try to get closer to the top
On the other hand, FC Cincinnati come into the match with only five defeats in 19 games this season. The team led by coach Pat Noonan finished third in the Eastern Conference last season, but were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs, a huge disappointment considering the team's potential.
The last two games this season have confirmed the team's recovery trend. After going four games without a win, FC Cincinnati beat New England Revolution and Montreal during the month of May. Needing to get closer to leaders Philadelphia Union in their quest for the top spot, victory is seen as crucial here.
Kevin Denkey is expected to return to the attacking field after scoring 13 goals this season. Pavel Bucha and Evander are also expected to be starters, with the midfield duo being recognized for their goalscoring.