An undermanned version of Orlando City SC will try to keep their unbeaten streak going when they visit the New England Revolution on Saturday in Foxborough, Mass.
Orlando (7-4-5, 26 points) heads into the Eastern Conference showdown without five regular starters. Facundo Torres, Pedro Gallese and Wilder Cartagena are away on international duty, while Kyle Smith and Antonio Carlos are suspended due to caution accumulation.
At full strength, the Lions have shown over the last month that they can compete with anyone in MLS. Orlando City are 3-0-3 in their last six games, including a pair of shutout victories in their last two games.
“We are in a great moment and we need to keep going,” said Orlando captain Mauricio Pereyra after last weekend’s 2-0 win over the Colorado Rapids. “In the beginning of the season it was difficult for us to score, even when we created many chances, and now we are [finding] consistency with the goals.”
The Lions have scored 12 goals over their last six games, after tallying 10 goals in their first 10 games of the season.
Despite Orlando City’s depleted roster, the Revolution (8-3-6, 30 points) aren’t taking their opponents lightly.
“We know it’s going to be a battle,” New England defender DeJuan Jones said. “They attack with a lot of numbers, and we’re going to have to be sharp defensively and score when we get our opportunities.”
New England is unbeaten over its last four games (1-0-3). Last Saturday, the Revs earned a 3-1 home victory against Inter Miami, with Carles Gil contributing a goal and two assists.
The Revolution also have some notable international absences, as starting goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic and defender Christian Makoun won’t play Saturday.
Brandon Bye is expected to be available after missing New England’s last four games due to a shoulder injury.
Saturday’s game will pit one of the league’s best away teams against one of the top home teams. Orlando City is 4-1-2 on the road this season, while the Revs are 5-0-3 at home.
–Field Level Media
