Orlando City faces powerhouse LAFC in quarterfinals

As Orlando City seeks to rid itself of an underdog identity, the Lions will face their greatest challenge of the MLS is Back Tournament — league juggernaut LAFC.

LAFC (2-0-2) has become the Goliath of MLS, but Orlando City (3-0-1) is tired of being seen as a David. With a four-game unbeaten streak and a strong sense of group confidence, the Lions are carrying a newfound momentum into the match, which kicks off at 7:30 p.m. and will air on FS1

On Friday, Orlando City will look to control the pace of the match against its toughest opponent of 2020.

“We have to match the intensity,” Orlando City coach Oscar Pareja said. “They may need to match our creativity, too. We are confident. We have ourselves. We have this group of players, who [are] … committed to do the right things.”

Some questioned whether LAFC would be as dominant during the tournament when reigning league MVP Carlos Vela announced he would stay home to be with his pregnant wife.

But the absence of Vela simply created a spotlight for Diego Rossi, who netted seven goals and added two assists across the first four matches of the tournament.

LAFC plays at a different speed than most other teams in MLS, scoring 15 goals to date. Most teams bring their attack in waves. LAFC pressures in a singular, unending onslaught. It holds its attacking line deep into opponents’ defending halves, throwing three or four players into the box for every cross and peppering the goal with shots.

Although LAFC is easily the highest scoring team in the tournament, the team has been far from impenetrable. They allowed 11 goals so far this tournament, including a 3-3 draw against Houston and a 2-2 draw against Portland. Due to the risky positioning