Lions begin three-game road trip in City of Brotherly Love
ORLANDO, Fla. – Orlando City SC (10-6-8, 38 points) is set to begin a three-game road trip on Sunday, Sept. 19 in a matchup against 2020 Supporters’ Shield winners Philadelphia Union (8-7-8, 32) at Subaru Park. Kickoff is slated for 4 p.m. ET.
Sunday’s match will be nationally televised on ESPN and ESPN Deportes, while being transmitted on Real Radio 104.1 in English and Acción 97.9FM, 810AM in Spanish.
“We have a tough week, as you all know, now going to Philadelphia [Union] and planning to get those three points. It looks like we’re going to need a lot of energy and character too to bounce back and try to bring back a result.,” said Head Coach Oscar Pareja. “Philadelphia is battling too, not just in the league but also in this international competition that they finished. Their ways, you all know them, the tactical part of Philadelphia is well known. Now we had the boys training again as always and trying to see if we can plan on getting this result and get back on the road.”
The Lions will look for back-to-back victories against the Union in 2021 on Sunday after battling to a 2-1 victory earlier this season on July 22 at Exploria Stadium. Benji Michel and Andrés Perea each found the back of the net in that fixture to lead the Lions to a victory.
City will look to bounce back from a home defeat to CF Montréal at the midweek. The match saw defenders Robin Jansson and Ruan score their first goals for the Lions in MLS, with the latter netting his first across all competitions.
Nani leads the Lions with nine goals this season, but will be unavailable for Sunday’s match due to red-card suspension after being shown a second yellow card on Wednesday evening. Teammate Andrés Perea will also not be available for selection after he too was shown a red card late in Wednesday’s match.
The Union enter Sunday’s match after falling 2-0 in Concacaf Champions League play to Club América on Wednesday night. Two second half finishes from the Liga MX side led the visitors over the Union, advancing them to the CCL Final.
Kacper Przybylko leads Philadelphia with six goals this season followed by Cory Burke and Sergio Santos each with four. Jamiro Monteiro and Kai Wagner hold the team-high in assists, each with four to their credit.
Following Sunday’s fixture, the Lions will continue on the road as they travel to take on the New England Revolution on Saturday, Sept. 25 at Gillette Stadium.
