Intelligence Report: Orlando City vs. D.C. United
The Lions return to the nation’s capital for the first time since 2019.
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Orlando City will look to keep its unbeaten streak to start the 2021 season going, but things won’t be easy, as the Lions head out on the road to play a team they’ve only beaten once away from home. D.C. United has a five-match unbeaten streak going in all competitions against Orlando dating back to 2018, and the Black & Red are also a tough out at Audi Field, going 2-0-0 so far this season at their home grounds.
Caitlin Buckley / Black and Red United
In a sort of litmus test game, a new-look D.C. United was strong enough to send the Chicago Fire back to the Windy City with a loss, as Edison Flores struck early and the Black-and-Red made it stand up in a 1-0 win. It wasn’t perfect, but despite making three changes (including club debuts for Jon Kempin and Drew Skundrich) and some shuffled roles elsewhere, it was an indicator that United has the character to avoid gifting points at home to struggling teams.
As is often the case, we (Adam, Ryan, and Jason.hey, that’s me!) have some thoughts about this one:
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The last few remaining healthy D.C. United players left face a massive challenge today, as they take on the defending MLS Cup champion Columbus Crew in what will be the Black-and-Red’s last visit to Historic Crew Stadium. United, who are missing nearly half of their roster at the moment due to injuries, will have to dig very deep to repeat last fall’s stunning victory over the Crew.
Key player: Frederic Brillant
One of the last few United players who has not had some kind of injury this year, Brillant is going to have to provide error-free leadership on top of being severely tested in terms of his own defending. The Crew may be goalless in MLS this season, but if you look at their projected lineup, that’s not going to last forever. They’ve got some serious attacking talent, including a potential Best 11 playmaker and a USMNT striker; they’re not champions by accident.
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D.C. United heads to the west coast for the only time during the 2021 regular season, as they face the San Jose Earthquakes in what may be the latest kickoff of a game in team history. It’s also a game that could be dramatic: United’s pressure and willingness to create physical duels will be met by Matias Almeyda’s notorious man-marking system in a game that has all the signs of being a battle.
Throw in some traditional #MLSAfterDark vibes, and we might be in for a deeply weird match tonight.
Key player: Julian Gressel