MLS Match Preview: Orlando City SC (9-4-6) vs. FC Cincinnati (11-5-3)

Match Significance

This Orlando City vs FC Cincinnati MLS 2025 matchup is a pivotal top-five battle in the Eastern Conference. Cincinnati sit second in the standings with 36 points, while Orlando are just three points behind in fifth. With playoff seeding and momentum on the line, this fixture could reshape the conference hierarchy.

Orlando City SC – Team Overview

Current Standing: 5th in Eastern Conference

Record: 9W-6D-4L (33 points)

Last 5 Matches: W-W-L-L-W

Manager: Oscar Pareja

Key Players: Martín Ojeda, Marco Pašalić, Luis Muriel

Strengths

Strong home form (5W-2D-2L at Inter&Co Stadium)

In-form attack: 8 goals in last 3 matches

Martín Ojeda (9 goals, 5 assists) among MLS leaders in goal contributions

Concerns

Key absences: Duncan McGuire, Wilder Cartagena, Yutaro Tsukada (injuries)

Occasional defensive lapses in transition

Short recovery time after midweek 4-2 win over St. Louis

Path to Victory

Orlando must control midfield tempo, press high, and feed Ojeda and Pašalić in the final third. Luis Muriel’s hold-up play and experience will be vital in breaking down Cincinnati’s back line.

FC Cincinnati – Team Overview

Current Standing: 2nd in Eastern Conference

Record: 11W-3D-5L (36 points)

Last 5 Matches: W-W-L-D-L

Manager: Pat Noonan

Key Players: Kevin Denkey, Evander, Luca Orellano

Strengths

League-best away record (6W-1D-4L)

Kevin Denkey (13 goals) is one of MLS’s top scorers

Midfield trio of Evander, Bucha, and Nwobodo offers balance and creativity

Concerns

Injuries to Yuya Kubo and Nick Hagglund

Inconsistent form before recent two-game win streak

Vulnerable to quick counters when fullbacks push high

Path to Victory

Cincinnati must press Orlando’s midfield, isolate Denkey against Orlando’s center backs, and use Evander’s vision to unlock space. Set pieces could be a key weapon.

Head-to-Head & Historical Context

All-Time MLS Meetings: 11

Orlando Wins: 5

Cincinnati Wins: 4

Draws: 2

Last Meeting: Orlando 1–0 Cincinnati (October 2024)

Recent Trend: Orlando have won 2 of the last 3 meetings

This rivalry has grown in intensity, with both clubs now regular playoff contenders. Orlando’s recent edge adds extra spice to this encounter.

Tactical Insight & Prediction

Expect a high-tempo, end-to-end battle. Orlando will look to dominate possession and create through Ojeda and Pašalić, while Cincinnati will aim to disrupt and counter through Denkey and Orellano. The midfield duel—Atuesta vs Evander—could shape the match.