Matchday 5: Orlando City vs. DC United Game Preview

Orlando, FL – Red, white, and DC blues? The nation’s capital invades the Den as we preview Orlando City SC taking on DC United this weekend. Expect a low-scoring game and a different dynamic as international duty is in full effect. A monumental Matchday 5 battle awaits.

The Lions need to leave New York in the rear-view mirror as they go 0-1-1 in their last two contests. While one point in two games is not ideal, there was a bright spot to notice. Orlando scored two goals on Carlos Coronel. Coronel was coming off a league-leading one-goal in three previous matches. The purple and gold also eliminated two consecutive clean sheets posted by the Red Bulls net defender and made Coronel seem more like Clark Kent than Superman.

International Duty

Orlando is tied with Atlanta United for 11th and 12th place respectively in the MLS standings. DC United enters the pitch in 9th place with six points compared to Orlando’s four points. A win could move the Lions up the leaderboard considerably. However, other factors need to be considered entering this week.
It will be important for OCSC to embrace their inner Tincho zen as three club members embark on international duty. Pedro Gallese (Peru), David Brekalo (Slovenia), and Colin Gurske (USYNT) will represent their respective countries. David Brekalo played the second half versus NY after coming off of a shoulder injury suffered on opening day. Gallese’s presence will have the biggest impact as Javier Otero will have to step in and form an impenetrable wall.

A trio of national team call ups 🫡

Pedro Gallese | 🇵🇪 | World Cup Qualifiers
David Brekalo | 🇸🇮 | Nations League
Colin Guske | 🇺🇸 U18 | March Training Camp

📖 https://t.co/rUYRkRM747 pic.twitter.com/YJr2NIyEEU

— Orlando City SC (@OrlandoCitySC) March 18, 2025

America runs on Duncan but Orlando will need a Starbucks performance to take down DC gold. Christian Benteke was the MLS Golden Boot recipient in 2024 for DC scoring 23 goals. Currently, Benteke is not showing any signs of slowing down as he has scored three goals in the last four contests. Expect much of the same if the Lions can’t slow him down.

Rooks Stepping Up

The rookies aren’t playing like rookies. Eduard Atuesta was named to the Matchday 4 Team of the Matchday this previous week. Atuesta had a brace of assists versus the NY Red Bulls. Atuesta must continue to get his teammates involved if they are to gain three points in the standings. Marco Pasalic continues to impress adding another goal in the early season campaign. Just like Benteke, Pasalic has three goals in the first four matchups. Pasalic must continue to be a leader and the driving engine to get the slow start for the Lions turned around. Also, expect an immediate impact from Nicolas Rodriguez if he can play. Rodriguez has been sidelined with a thigh injury that has plagued him the last few contests.

First TOTM nod for our midfield engine 💨 pic.twitter.com/oPJ6vg625i

— Orlando City SC (@OrlandoCitySC) March 17, 2025

Duncan Is Back

Expect Duncan McGuire to make an impact now that he is back from his shoulder injury. McGuire made his 2025 debut last week, entering the game in the second half vs the NY Red Bulls. McGuire scored 10 goals last season and provided a much-needed spark for Orlando. McGuire’s gritty play was well rewarded in the previous year as he was a participant for Team USA in the summer Olympics. Robin Jansson and Rodrigo Schlegel will have to defend the midfield being shorthanded with Brekalo on international duty.

George Washington once said, “99% of failures come from people who make excuses.” The time is now to stand united and gain victory on the pitch. Unfortunately, the purple and gold cavalry will find it hard to control the golden boot. Benteke will be a formidable foe. The final outcome… DC United 2 – Orlando City 1.