Crew SC hosts Orlando City on Saturday at MAPFRE Stadium for a special 4 p.m. ET kickoff. It will be the pair’s first meeting of the 2017 MLS regular season. Thanks to the Black & Gold’s 3-2 triumph over the Portland Timbers last week, they are sitting at the top of the Eastern Conference. The Lions are currently unbeaten this season. Before coming to MAPFRE Stadium, check out these things to watch:
Coming in Hot
Both Eastern Conference teams have done well for themselves so far this season. The Lions may be unbeaten, but unlike Columbus, they have only played two games. In their first match, they hosted New York City FC for a 1-0 victory. Cyle Larin headed in the first goal in the 15th minute off a quick chip from Giles Barnes. The Lion’s playmaker, Kaká, also suffered an injury that will leave him off the pitch for at least six weeks.
In Orlando’s second match they hosted the Philadelphia Union for a 2-1 win. Orlando’s prized player, Larin, found the back of the net for his team again, this time bracing in the 39th minute and 73rd minute. The Lions have quickly discovered there is no place like home, however Saturday’s match will be there first road trip.
Cutting off Cyle
It is no surprise that Cyle Larin will be a player to watch out for.
The young Canadian had a record breaking 17 goals in 2015 as a rookie, and that number has doubled since then. In Orlando’s latest match against Philadelphia, Larin made 14 successful passes in the opposition’s half, according to Opta. Larin and strikemate, Carlos Rivas, have proven to be a dangerous duo.
Battle of the SC’s
Crew SC and Orlando City SC met twice last year in regular season play. In their first matchup of 2016 the Lions travelled north to MAPFRE Stadium and left in a 2-2 draw on July 23. In the second matchup of the year, Crew SC travelled to the Sunshine State for a 4-1 victory. The Black & Gold have a 2-1-2 record over Orlando, and are currently sitting at the top of the Eastern Conference after last week’s 3-2 victory over the Portland Timbers. Crew SC will look to break the Lion's current unbeaten streak.
