Orlando City vs. Los Angeles FC: Coach Pareja Aims to Boost Confidence with a Critical Victory
Orlando City aims to break their losing streak in an upcoming match against the rampant Los Angeles FC. LAFC has clinched victory in their previous seven outings.
Oscar Pareja, the coach of Orlando, underscored the necessity for the squad to regain their mojo before their Saturday game at Inter&Co Stadium against the in-form LAFC.
The international hiatus has left Orlando idle since their June 2 defeat by the New York Red Bulls, marking their third consecutive match without a win.
Currently, Orlando is 11th in the Eastern Conference with 17 points. Conversely, LAFC holds the second spot in the Western Conference, boasting 30 points after five consecutive MLS victories.
When queried about the benefit of the break, Pareja noted the importance of reflection on their slump. “It was crucial. It allowed us a moment to rejuvenate,” he remarked.
Facing LAFC poses a significant challenge, Pareja admits. “Though other teams face similar challenges with player availability, we must step up. It’s a prime chance to bolster our confidence and secure needed points,” he said.
In all tournaments, LAFC has secured victories in their last six matches without conceding a single goal, setting a new MLS record.
Steve Cherundolo, LAFC’s head coach, attributes their success to a collective effort. “Our team delivers a solid, professional game over the full 90 minutes. Even when opponents have strong defenses, we find opportunities while maintaining tight defense ourselves,” he stated.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Orlando City – Nicolas Lodeiro
Lodeiro has contributed to nine goals in MLS face-offs against Los Angeles (five goals, four assists, including playoffs).
Only Cristian Espinoza (15) and Zlatan Ibrahimovic (11) have more contributions against them.
Los Angeles FC – Denis Bouanga
During LAFC’s last match on June 1, Bouanga netted the sole goal in the 1-0 victory over FC Dallas. This brought his tally to 48 goals in all competitions since the previous season, 16 more than any other MLS player in that period.
MATCH PREDICTION – LOS ANGELES FC WIN
LAFC has never lost to Orlando in their four previous encounters, securing two victories and two draws. Notably, Orlando ousted them via penalties in the MLS is Back Tournament quarter-finals in 2020.
Orlando hasn’t won any of their last five home matches, with two draws and three losses, failing to score in the last three. Previously, they experienced a similar scoring drought only in their early MLS days back in 2015.
Conversely, LAFC is riding a wave of seven consecutive wins across all competitions, not conceding in the last six. They look poised for another triumph, even away from home.
OPTA WIN PROBABILITY
Orlando City – 37.7%
Los Angeles FC – 35.9%
Draw – 26.4%
