As D.C. United’s quest for a fourth U.S. Open Cup title continues, the Black-and-Red prepare for the Round of 16 where they will host Orlando City SC at the Maryland SoccerPlex on June 20 after defeating North Carolina FC in the Fourth Round.
After entering the tournament in the Fourth Round, as each MLS side does, Orlando City SC advanced to the Round of 16 by defeating National Premier Soccer League (NPSL) opponent Miami United FC 3-0.
This is Orlando City's fourth appearance in the U.S. Open Cup after joining MLS as an expansion team in 2015. Their longest run in the U.S. Open Cup came in their inaugural season when they defeated the Charleston Battery (USL) and the Columbus Crew before falling to the Chicago Fire in the quarterfinals.
In the 2016 tournament, Orlando City fell to the Fort Lauderdale Strikers (NASL)—the team that defeated D.C. United in penalty kicks that year—in the Round of 16. In the 2017 edition of the Cup, Orlando lost to Miami FC (NASL) in the Fourth Round
While United and Orlando City have never met one another in the oldest ongoing competition in U.S. soccer, they have met eight times in MLS competition. Orlando City have a slight edge in the all-time series between the two clubs, with a 4-3-1 head-to-head record.
The Black-and-Red and the Lions played to a 1-1 draw in the sides' first match of the 2018 season. Yamil Asad scored his first goal for the Black-and-Red in the 32nd minute, while Orlando City’s Stéfano Pinho secured the equalizer in stoppage time.
Orlando City are primarily led by Dom Dwyer, who has seven goals on the season, and their top assist man Sacha Kljestan, who recorded three assists in their Open Cup win over Miami United FC and has four assists in MLS action so far. Pinho also has a knack for scoring goals in Open Cup play as he was tied for the leading goalscorer with four tallies in the 2017 tournament with Miami FC.
Orlando City captain Jonathan Spector also made his return to the lineup during the team’s Fourth Round Open Cup victory, his first appearance since April 8. Spector’s return provides a solidifying presence on defense for the Lions.
While Orlando will be determined to keep their trophy hunt alive in the Open Cup, the Lions come to the SoccerPlex in a time of transition. On June 15, Orlando announced they are parting ways with head coach Jason Kreis, who has been at the helm of the club since July 2016. While the club conducts a search for a new head coach, assistant Bobby Murphy will lead the Lions in the meantime, meaning Orlando enter Wednesday's matchup with a major question mark at the helm.
Join the Black-and-Red at the Maryland SoccerPlex this Wednesday as they look to move past Orlando and on to the next stage of the Open Cup competition.
