When United host Orlando City SC on Saturday, Sept. 9, most eyes will focus on the players most dangerous with the ball at their feet. While Luciano Acosta, Paul Arriola and Zoltán Stieber will look to best Dom Dwyer, Cyle Larin and Kaká, a more important matchup is farther back the field. United come into Saturday on the heels of three consecutive shutout victories, the first time the Black-and-Red have accomplished such a feat since 2007. Orlando, on the other hand, can't seem to keep the ball out of the back of their net. The Lions have allowed multiple goals thirteen times this season and have been outscored 17-6 over their last 8 matches.
In their last match, Orlando were soundly beaten by the New England Revolution 4-0. The difference between that game and their three games prior? While José Aja anchored the right side of central defense as usual, Tommy Redding was on the bench, not in the Starting XI. Léo Pereira paired with Aja in the back line in Redding's stead. Now, with Aja out because of a red card he acquired in that match in Foxborough, Orlando head coach Jason Kreis will have to field a makeshift back four.
For United head coach Ben Olsen, there's not much shifting needing to be done. After those three consecutive shutouts, goalkeeper Bill Hamid is now on the verge of 50 for his career, a feat only achieved by 11 others in league history. In front of Hamid, defender Kofi Opare has excelled this season, setting career highs in starts and minutes played. Jalen Robinson, 23, has also performed admirably in limited minutes this season.
Look for the Black-and-Red to take advantage of a struggling Orlando City side that not only has had some trouble scoring, but also keeping out their opponents. The match kicks off at 7 PM on NewsChannel 8 and CW Richmond.
