Matchday 7: Orlando City vs. Philadelphia Union Game Preview

Orlando, FL – Life, liberty and Philly cheesesteaks. The City of Brotherly Love sets the stage for the next showdown between the Philadelphia Union (4-2-0) and Orlando City SC (3-2-1). Sit down, grab a napkin and dive into this week’s au jus because the sauce is about to be spilled on the Matchday 7 battle.

Rocky Balboa once said, “Every champion was once a contender who refused to give up.” Cue the 90th minute in last week’s match between the LA Galaxy and Orlando City SC. Luis Muriel unleashed the fatal blow, finding the back of the net in what could be considered one of the top goals of the year. Just like Balboa defeated Apollo Creed the second time around, Muriel gave the Lion’s 3 points and cemented his legacy in the City of Stars.

The game-winner 🙌 pic.twitter.com/s7GH471WU7

— Orlando City SC (@OrlandoCitySC) March 30, 2025

Hot-hot-hot

The Lion’s are on a three-game scoring tear. Eight goals have been scored the last three contests. Martin Ojeda (3), Marco Pasalic (2), Luis Muriel (2) and Alex Freeman (1) have all contributed to a 2-0-1 record during this stretch. Meanwhile, the Philadelphia Union have started to hit sub zero temperatures after starting the season at a high Fahrenheit. In the last three matches, Philadelphia has scored just three goals going 1-2-0 during this campaign. Despite the tough three game skid, the Union are currently in second place in the Eastern Conference with 12 points. Orlando moved up the leaderboard after their last win and sit tied for 5th with 10 points.

A Lot On The Line

“Momentum is an amazing thing when it is working in your favor.” Simon Mignolet, a goalkeeper for the Belgian Pro League Club Brugge once said those words after a match. This game will make the pendulum swing in favor of Orlando or Philadelphia by the time the players leave the pitch after the concluding bell. With a win, the Lion’s will jump over the Union in the MLS Eastern Conference standings. If the Union secure the W, the gap will further increase on the leaderboard. A matchup like this sets the pace for the rest of the season. Pedro Gallese, the net defender for the Purple and Gold, will be a critical component in ensuring Orlando ends up on the right side of the story. Gallese has allowed 11 goals on the season versus 14 goals saved. On the other side of the pitch, Andre Blake for the Union has allowed 8 goals and saved 10 scoring opportunities. Gallese will have to build a fortress versus a team that is ranked second in goals scored (13).

The gang heads to Philly ☀️ pic.twitter.com/zIdeBCXDzw

— Orlando City SC (@OrlandoCitySC) April 4, 2025

The facts are the facts, both Orlando and Philadelphia like to spread the ball around and create scoring opportunities for the entire team. Both teams are tied for first place with 15 assists apiece. Likewise, both teams have a total of six players that have scored goals this season. For “The U,” Tai Baribo leads the MLS in goals scored. Orlando will have to try and find a way to slow him down. If Orlando cannot do that, it will be a long night for the OCSC faithful. While scoring is needed to win, defense is going to play the biggest role on the outcome of the game. Robin Jansson, Rodrigo Schlegel, Rafael Santos and David Brekalo will have to be the anchors for the team.

Roll The Credits

Feta, brie, Swiss or ricotta- it really doesn’t matter the type of cheese as long as Pareja unleashes the Philly cream cheese in route to a victory. The Lion’s need to continue to score as they have the past several contests. Muriel and Ojeda have the hot boot and need to be trusted to provide the offensive fire power. Eduard Atuesta and Pasalic continue to move the ball around well and give the Lion’s many great opportunities to put points on the board. The bench will also play a critical role in determining the outcome of the battle. Stick to this script, and the Lion’s will come out on top.

Expect a low scoring contest despite the top two goal scoring teams in the MLS facing off. This game will come down to the bench and Duncan McGuire will get his confidence back as being the lone goal scorer. The final, Orlando City SC 1, Philadelphia Union 0.