The two lions of the east enter their match on Saturday looking to assert their role as a leader atop of the pack chasing down Philadelphia. Only separated by 3 points, both will be looking to kick off their push for a shield with a result this weekend.
ORLANDO CITY
After 2024 there was sentiment in Orlando that things needed to be freshened up a bit. After building around young Attacking Midfielder Facu Torres for years, there was a belief that they needed to move on and allow their talisman to pursue a new level so they can reinvest in the squad.
And they did just that, moving the Uruguayan to Brazilian side Palmeiras for $11M and using that money to bring in DP Right Wing Marco Pasalic from Croatia and Midfielder Eduard Atuesta into the squad. And while the team has struggled to create consistent results, they would be very encouraged by their position in the table.
Sitting in 7th in the East, but just seven points from the Shield lead, Orlando weathered a battering of early season injuries and have settled on a style that accentuates their newcomers. They’ve upped their defensive pressure looking to be more aggressive pressers and then pouncing on loose passes and touches to turn them into counter attacking goals. Their last 5 goals have consisted of passing sequences of three, twelve, nine, one, and four passes with Pasalic scoring two goals and Atuesta being the person to bring the ball into the attacking half, either through a pass or dribble, in 4 of the 5 goals.
But this counter attacking style has also benefited their big signing in 2024, Martin Ojeda. After struggling to get on the field in his first season in MLS, the Argentine has been revitalized scoring 9G and 4A in the first half of 2025. This balance of attack with Ojeda on the left and Pasalic on the right has created plenty of chances for the Lions as they have scored the third most goals in 2025.
There are still defensive vulnerabilities for the backline, with their depth being challenged by the departure of Right Back Alex Freeman to the US Men’s National team for the Gold Cup, but they have weathered the departure in part thanks to goalkeeper Pedro Gallese.
FC CINCINNATI
Cincinnati finally found a multi-goal win on Wednesday, in a 3-1 victory over the Montreal Impact. They gave veteran striker Kai Kamara his second start of the year next to Denkey and were able to bully Montreal for much of the game. It was also the first time that Luca Orellano scored this season, coming in from the left side, rather than the right, where he has spent the majority of his time. It was also the return of Yuya Kubo, who saw a 20 minute cameo in the second half, his first minutes since the Hell is Real match in May.
However, the game wasn’t without cost, as midfielder Obi Nwobodo departed the game in the 40th minute. There wasn’t an update on his status provided by Noonan after the game, but with a likely muscle injury it seems unlikely that he will participate in the match in Orlando. In a game where FC Cincinnati is already dealing with the departure of two starting Centerbacks, Miles Robinson and Nick Hagglund, and showed moments of weakness against Montreal, the departure of their defensive shield, may loom large.
Evander, Kevin Denkey, and Teenage Hadebe celebrate a goal against DC United. Photo courtesy of Megan Lee.
WHEN: Saturday June 28th @ 7:30 PM EST
WHERE: Inter & Co Stadium, Orlando, FL
HOW TO WATCH: MLS Season Pass on AppleTV+
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