Orlando City Hosts D.C. United in Key MLS Clash This Saturday

ORLANDO, Fla. — Orlando City SC is set to face D.C. United on Saturday at 7:30 p.m. at Inter & Co Stadium, providing fans with an exciting match as Major League Soccer’s 2025 season progresses. The Lions will look to build on their strong performance so far, where they rank high in goal contributions from their Designated Players.

Leading the charge for Orlando are forwards Marco Pašalić and Luis Muriel, along with midfielder Martín Ojeda, who collectively lead MLS in attacking contributions from Designated Players. Ojeda has recorded two goals and one assist, while Muriel boasts one goal and two assists. Pašalić has been particularly impressive, contributing three goals and one assist to the Lions’ early success.

Through the first four matches of the 2025 season, Orlando City has scored a total of nine goals, tying them for second in the league with the Philadelphia Union. In addition, they sit fifth in non-penalty expected goals and second in total shots taken. Their scoring prowess has been evident, with the team averaging 2.43 goals per match since the latter half of the previous season.

Orlando City will host D.C. United this weekend after a successful previous season against the Black-and-Red, which included a thrilling come-from-behind victory in April and a dominant 5-0 win at home in July. Under Coach Oscar Pareja, the Lions have improved their record to 4-3-1 against D.C. United, highlighting their strong trend against this opponent over multiple seasons.

Notably, of the eight players who scored against D.C. United in 2024, seven remain on the current roster. Key contributors include Dagur Dan Thórhallsson, David Brekalo, and Duncan McGuire, among others, reinforcing Orlando’s offensive capabilities.

This match will mark the first professional start for Joran Gerbet, the No. 27 overall pick in the 2025 MLS SuperDraft. The Clemson standout, recognized as the 2024 ACC Midfielder of the Year, played the full match last week against the New York Red Bulls. Additionally, forward Duncan McGuire will return to action after recovering from shoulder surgery, adding to Orlando’s depth as they face D.C. United.

However, the Lions will be without some key players during the international window, including goalkeeper Pedro Gallese, who is set to captain Peru in FIFA World Cup qualifying matches. Defender David Brekalo will represent Slovenia in UEFA Nations League fixtures, while midfielder Colin Guske is called up to the U.S. U-18 Men’s National Team for a training camp in Spain.

As Orlando City seeks to continue its strong offensive display, the match against D.C. United on Saturday promises to be a thrilling encounter for fans and players alike.