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Orlando City Hits Road vs. Goal- Prone Earthquakes
Orlando City is hoping their recent draw against Inter Miami CF marks a turnaround. The Lions have had a tough launch to the season, so holding high- powered Inter Miami to a scoreless tie was a pleasant surprise. Now, they are looking to keep the momentum going when they visit the San Jose Earthquakes on Saturday night.
Orlando City’s Recent Performance
Defensive Prowess
Orlando City( 3-5-4, 13 points) managed to hold Inter Miami to just six shots in their scoreless draw, even without Miami’s star Lionel Messi.” We felt like we could have walked off the field with three points,” said Orlando City trainer Oscar Pareja.” But I recognize it was a tight game for both teams. The effort from the players was extraordinary, and they keep adapting to new effects. I am good with the performance of the team. I suppose we are turning things around.”
Orlando also posted a 3- 2 road win over the Philadelphia Union last weekend, snapping a three- game winless streak( 0-2-1). Duncan McGuire leads Orlando City with five goals.
San Jose Earthquakes’ Recent Performance
Protective Struggles
San Jose( 3-9-1, 10 points) had a chance to secure a three- game MLS winning streak but blew a two- goal lead in a 4- 2 road loss to the Portland Timbers on Wednesday. Evander’s penalty kick in the 74th minute burned Portland’s attack, and the Timbers added three more goals against San Jose’s defense, which has allowed a league- worst 32 goals.
Amahl Pellegrino and Hernan Lopez scored first-half goals for San Jose. The 23- year-old Lopez has scored in back- to- back matches since joining the club late last month for a club record$ 6 million transfer fee.” There is things that are there that are not coachable, and his talent and creativity are natural,” San Jose coach Luchi Gonzalez said.
Pellegrino leads the club with four goals, while Cristian Espinoza has been solid with two goals and eight assists.
Key Players and Performances
Orlando City
Duncan McGuire has been a standout for Orlando, leading the team with five goals this season. The Lions will look to him to continue his scoring form against San Jose’s shaky defense.
San Jose Earthquakes
Amahl Pellegrino and Hernan Lopez have been crucial for San Jose, with Pellegrino leading the club in goals and Lopez providing a spark since his appearance. Cristian Espinoza’s playmaking abilities, substantiated by his eight assists, will be crucial for the Earthquakes’ attack.
Historical Context and former Meeting
June 22, 2021 Meeting
This is the first meeting between Orlando City and the Earthquakes since the Lions recorded a dominant 5- 0 home victory on June 22, 2021. Orlando will be aiming to replicate that performance, while San Jose seeks redemption.
Conclusion
As Orlando City and the San Jose Earthquakes prepare for their clash, both teams are eager to overcome recent setbacks and secure a crucial victory. With crucial players stepping up and the intensity of the rivalry, this match promises to be a competitive and thrilling encounter.
