Orlando City Faces New York Red Bulls Amid Injuries

HARRISON, N.J. — Orlando City SC will look to secure their first road win of the 2025 season against the New York Red Bulls at Sports Illustrated Stadium on Saturday at 2:30 p.m. ET. The match is crucial for Orlando, which is searching for redemption following a disappointing showing last week in a previous away match.

Despite a solid start to the season, Orlando City (1-2-0, 3 points) faces a New York Red Bulls (1-1-1, 4 points) squad that has been resilient, having allowed only one goal in their first three games this season. However, both teams are dealing with significant injury lists as they prepare for this Eastern Conference matchup.

In the latest Player Status Report, Orlando City has key players sidelined, including Wilder Cartagena (Achilles), Favian Loyola (thigh), Nico Rodríguez (thigh), and Yutaro Tsukada (knee). Meanwhile, David Brekalo (shoulder) and Duncan McGuire (shoulder) are listed as questionable for the match.

Orlando City Head Coach Oscar Pareja emphasized the importance of bouncing back after last week’s performance and is optimistic about the team’s potential. “Today’s match is a good opportunity for us to bounce back. But it’s an even better opportunity to keep growing as a team,” he said. “We’re good, we’re optimistic.”

On the other hand, New York’s lineup has been affected by injuries to several key players, including forward Lewis Morgan, who has undergone knee surgery, and midfielder Cameron Harper, who is also dealing with a knee issue. The Red Bulls will be without eight players for this pivotal match.

The Red Bulls have adjusted their strategies under coach Sandro Schwarz, transitioning to a three-man back line that focuses on possession rather than their customary high-pressing game. Despite struggling to score this season, with only two goals, their defensive capabilities have kept them competitive in the league.

Mark Fishkin, a knowledgeable voice on the Red Bulls, shared insights on their current roster, noting the addition of experienced players like Erik-Maxim Choupo-Moting and Alexander Hack, who are expected to bolster the team’s attacking and defensive units. “New York’s principles of play have remained the same, but they’re much more comfortable holding possession now,” he stated.

Historically, the matchups between Orlando City and the Red Bulls have been tightly contested, with Orlando holding a 8-10-3 record over the Red Bulls in league play. Their last encounter resulted in a narrow 1-0 playoff victory for New York, which adds an additional layer of motivation for Orlando City.

As Orlando prepares for the match, they aim to leverage their attacking prowess to capitalize on any defensive lapses from New York. Leading players to watch include Orlando’s Luis Muriel and Martín Ojeda, who have been instrumental in the offensive setup this season.

The match will be available for streaming on MLS Season Pass via Apple TV, providing fans multiple ways to follow the action live. Coverage begins at 2:30 p.m. ET.