Lions to host formidable Red Bulls after first win of season

Orlando City finally got the result it needed last weekend with a 2-0 MLS home victory over Austin FC. Now the Lions will look to build on that momentum and continue to climb up the table.

Orlando City (1-3-1, 4 points) will take on the New York Red Bulls (3-1-1, 10 points) at Inter&Co Stadium this evening (MLS Season Pass, 7:30).

There is plenty of history between these two sides, with the Lions holding an 8-9-2 mark in their MLS meetings.

“The rivals know each other pretty well. I think the game plans are pretty clear for both, and there are times when you have this much information on metrics and on video,” Orlando City coach Oscar Pareja said. “We both know what the nature of the teams is; the execution on the pitch. How clear can we be with our concepts and trying to affect them and prevent any damage?”

The Lions face a New York team that at home on March 23 dominated Inter Miami 4-0.

Orlando City defender Dagur Dan Thórhallsson knows that New York’s high intensity is going to be challenging for the Lions, and they will need to be at their best to break through.

“High pressure; high intensity. They have a great quality squad. It’s going to be really hard because I feel like in the Austin game we had more space and time. In this game, you’re going to have little time and they’re going to come really quickly,” Thórhallsson said. “So we have to be ready and attack them as well.”

Orlando forward Facundo Torres is only one goal shy of matching Orlando’s second-best all-time scorer. Former captain Nani had 31 career goals for No. 2 in the club’s history.

César Araújo (right ankle) is questionable for Orlando City while Ramiro Enrique (right ankle) is unavailable.