The 2025 Major League Soccer (MLS) season kicks off with a highly anticipated matchup between Orlando City SC and Philadelphia Union at Inter&Co Stadium in Orlando on Saturday, February 22. This clash features two teams with high expectations and star-studded lineups.
Orlando City SC
- 2024 Record: 15-12-7, reached the playoffs but lost in the second round
- Key Players: Martin Ojeda, Ramiro Enrique, Eduard Atuesta, Marco Pašalić
- Strengths: Orlando City had a strong finish to the 2024 season, winning three of their final four league contests. They have a productive academy and a front office adept at finding undervalued targets.
- Challenges: Orlando City struggled early in the season, losing four of their first five games. They have not won their first match of an MLS campaign since 2018.
Philadelphia Union
- 2024 Record: 9-15-10, did not qualify for the playoffs
- Key Players: Dániel Gazdag, Tai Baribo, Mikael Uhre
- Strengths: Philadelphia Union finished the 2024 season strong, winning three of their final four league contests. They have a productive academy and a front office adept at finding undervalued targets.
- Challenges: Philadelphia Union struggled early in the season, losing four of their first five games. They have not won their first match of an MLS campaign since 2018.
Match Details
- Date: Saturday, February 22, 2025
- Time: 2:30 PM PST
- Venue: Inter&Co Stadium, Orlando
- Broadcast: MLS Season Pass on Apple TV
Team News and Lineups
- Orlando City SC: The reigning Supporters’ Shield winners have turned to Javier Mascherano to guide the team to an MLS Cup. They have added Martin Ojeda and Ramiro Enrique ahead of this season and also brought in Eduard Atuesta on loan from LAFC. Their biggest departure was Leonardo Campana, who was traded to the New England Revolution.
- Philadelphia Union: After a poor start to the 2024 season, Philadelphia Union hired Eric Ramsay to maximize the team’s high-priced talent. They have lost key players like Christian McFarlane to Manchester City and Jovan Mijatović on loan to Belgian Pro League side Oud-Heverlee Leuven.
Key Matchups
- Martin Ojeda vs. Philadelphia Union Defense: Ojeda’s presence on the field will be a major factor for Orlando City. His ability to create scoring opportunities and finish them will test Philadelphia Union’s defensive capabilities.
- Philadelphia Union’s Front Line vs. Orlando City’s Defense: Philadelphia Union’s attacking trio will look to exploit any weaknesses in Orlando City’s defense and create scoring chances.
