The Black-and-Red open their 2017 campaign against Orlando City in a midweek matchup at the new Orlando City Stadium on Wednesday night at 7:30 PM. Last season, United and Orlando split victories in their two high-scoring encounters, combining for a total of 11 goals.
In the sides’ first meeting of the 2016 season, United hosted Orlando on September 24 and put on an offensive show for the RFK faithful. The Black-and-Red entered the night fiery, as the match presented Ben Olsen’s side the opportunity to move above the red line in the Eastern Conference standings with a victory.
Determined to enter the playoff picture, United were sharp and aggressive in the attacking third. A 34th-minute Patrick Mullins goal put United up 1-0 entering halftime, but the rout was fully underway following a Lloyd Sam goal in the 51st minute and a second Patrick Mullin’s score in the 53rd. A red card left Orlando with only 10 men for much of the second half, and while the Lions were able to get on the board in the 72nd minute, substitute Julian Büscher netted another for United in stoppage time to cap off the big victory.
The Black-and-Red met Orlando once more in 2016 during their final regular-season match. With an Audi MLS Cup Playoff spot already secured, Olsen decided to rest his starters during the road match that had no postseason implications for either side. United scored twice and Büscher tallied two assists on the night, but the Black-and-Red were content to give up points on Decision Day in favor of preparing for the following week’s playoffs.
With such high-scoring affairs last season, look for the Black-and-Red to recreate the relentless attack they fielded against Orlando in 2016. United will meet the Lions once more during the regular season, when they play host to Orlando for the final time at RFK on Saturday, September 9.
