As the finishing touches for Audi Field are put in place, D.C. United (2-6-4) turn their attention toward Orlando City SC (6-8-1) for their Round of 16 U.S. Open Cup matchup. United will look to capture their 40th Open Cup victory this Wednesday when they host the Lions at 7 PM ET at the Maryland SoccerPlex.
While Wednesday's game does not count toward MLS standings, creating a spark to carry into league play will surely be at the top of both teams' minds. Orlando (19 points) sit nine points atop United (10 points) and currently occupy the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. The last time the Black-and-Red faced the Lions, both sides took a point in a 1-1 draw during Orlando's season opener. Historically, Orlando hold a slight advantage in the all-time series against United with a 4-3-1 record, but Wednesday will be the first-ever meeting between the sides in Open Cup competition.
In their Fourth Round match, United defeated North Carolina FC in penalty kicks to advance to the Round of 16. Homegrown Ian Harkes finished a loose ball inside the penalty box to give United a 1-0 advantage in the first half, but North Carolina equalized six minutes from the final whistle to extend the match. With no breakthroughs in stoppage time, the teams entered penalty kicks where United went on to win the contest 4-3. Down south, Orlando defeated Miami United FC (NPSL) 3-0 thanks to goals from Stefano Pinho (37'), Dillon Powers (53') and Victor "PC" Giro (62'), to advance to their date with the Black-and-Red.
The Lions will likely provide a tougher challenge for United on Wednesday, but the home side will look to continue to leverage their attacking streak to keep their Open Cup dream alive. The offense continues to roll for the District—forward Darren Mattocks leads the way for United with seven goals this season, tied for fifth in the league, while Yamil Asad has scored three in his last four matches and has five goals on the year.
On the other side of the ball, Orlando have allowed the most goals in MLS so far this season with 31 conceded. The Lions have dropped their previous six matches in MLS competition and are in need of momentum, especially as the visitors enter a time of transition with the recent dismissal of head coach Jason Kreis.
The Lions will be without one of their essential playmakers come Wednesday, though—Yoshimar Yotún earned a spot on Peru's roster for the FIFA World Cup. Yotún has been a fundamental part of Orlando's midfield in 2018. He leads his club in assists and is second on the team in total passes with 652, using his vision and deft ball movement to create scoring opportunities for his teammates. Standouts Dom Dwyer and Sacha Kljestan will look to step up in the final third in Yotún's absence, but the visitors will also have to find a way to keep United's attackmen at bay in the meantime.
Join the Black-and-Red at the Maryland SoccerPlex Wednesday night as they look to move past the Lions and keep their Open Cup hunt alive.
