By Kelvin Loyola
In a matchup of contrasting styles and philosophies, Orlando City brings an attacking third that can do real damage if Pumas’ defense isn’t set to breakdown plays from the likes of Pašalić, Muriel, and Ojeda.
HEAD-TO-HEAD:
- This will be the first-ever meeting between the two sides
- Record at Leagues Cup: Orlando City (4-2), Pumas (3-4)
LAST FIVE GAMES:
- Pumas UNAM: 2 Wins, 0 Draws, 3 Losses
- Pumas are off to a slow start in the Liga MX Apertura. With two defeats in three games, they were able to keep a clean sheet in their lone win over Querétaro
- Orlando City: 2 Wins, 2 Draws, 1 Loss
- Orlando City are typically a mid-table team in MLS. At the moment, they currently sit 6th in the Eastern Conference and recently defeated defending Leagues Cup champions Columbus Crew in league play
MAIN STORYLINES:
- Orlando City is one of the most “Latin”-influenced teams in all of MLS. From goalkeeper to striker to the coach on the bench, the team is represented by Peru, Colombia, Uruguay, and Argentina, to name just a few countries
- Pumas have hit a tough stretch, managing just three victories across their most recent ten games. Giving up six goals in league play across three games, their defense has been suspect
- Argentine Martín Ojeda has become the new leader of Orlando City, having a career year with 13 goals and 12 assists. Everything passes through the former Godoy Cruz midfielder
- Pumas’ shaky defense has gotten a major boost with the arrival of Costa Rican goalkeeper Keylor Navas, after his brief spell with Argentine side Newell’s Old Boys
- Jorge Ruvalcaba has been Pumas' saving grace when it comes to scoring, having found the net in his last two games
KEY FACTORS:
- Pumas UNAM:
- In Keylor Navas we trust. Pumas will need the best of Navas to hold the fort in the Leagues Cup. The Costa Rican was very good at Newell’s, and now he comes to a team in a similar position as his former club—desperate to solidify the backline
- Pumas will look towards MLS veteran Adalberto Carrasquilla to marshal this game and help ease his new team through a matchup the Panamanian is familiar with
- Efraín Juárez usually plays a defensive game, but in the last three weeks his team has been highly exposed. They will need a major performance from their central defenders and must show discipline. Pumas have issues with red cards, having had a player ejected last week against Querétaro
- Orlando City:
- No Duncan McGuire, as the USMNT striker has been out with a shoulder injury. Still, McGuire has been effectively replaced by Marco Pašalić, who has 10 goals on the year
- Martín Ojeda’s MVP form will be key for the Lions to secure a win over Pumas. If a sluggish Pumas defense can’t contain the Argentine, it will be a long day at the office for the Liga MX side
- Can Luis Muriel become an X factor? The Colombian’s MLS level has been marginal at best after an excellent stint in Serie A. Óscar Pareja has yet to truly unearth the best from one of his top players
WHAT TO EXPECT?
Pumas have an X-factor in Ecuadorian Pedro Vite, who is getting his feet wet in Liga MX but is coming off a sensational run of form with the Vancouver Whitecaps. Vite could be the attacking spark Juárez was hoping for to get his Pumas team back on track.
Then there is an interesting goalkeeping duel between Peru’s Pedro Gallese and Costa Rica’s Keylor Navas. The keeper who makes a critical save could be the difference.
Pumas may need to park the bus in this one and hope to make their few chances count, as Orlando City is one of the few MLS teams that actually has a sound and balanced roster, with good forwards and solid defenders like Argentine Rodrigo Schlegel.
