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Orlando City SC vs. New York City FC: Preview and How to Watch

By Wesley Davidson

Mar 5, 2017; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando City FC defender Jonathan Spector (2) and New York City FC forward Sean Okoli (9) fight for the ball during the second half of an MLS soccer match at Orlando Stadium. Orlando won 1-0. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 5, 2017; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando City FC defender Jonathan Spector (2) and New York City FC forward Sean Okoli (9) fight for the ball during the second half of an MLS soccer match at Orlando Stadium. Orlando won 1-0. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports /
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Orlando City SC and New York City FC meet on Sunday for the second time this season. Orlando took the three points on Matchday 1 in a 1-0 victory.

Sunday’s Eastern Conference clash between Orlando City SC and New York City FC will feature two sides looking to remain near the top of table. Orlando currently sit in second place, collecting four home victories from their opening five matches.

New York’s 10 points have them tied with the New York Red Bulls and Toronto FC, but New York’s better goal differential (+5) has the side sitting in fourth. They will be hoping to build off the momentum following a solid 2-0 win over Philadelphia and David Villa’s wonder strike from just past midfield.

Orlando City SC

Apr 15, 2017; Orlando, FL, USA; Defender Jonathan Spector (2) and forward Cyle Larin (9) congratulate each other after they beat the Los Angeles Galaxy at Orlando City Stadium. Orlando City SC defeated the Los Angeles Galaxy 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 15, 2017; Orlando, FL, USA; Defender Jonathan Spector (2) and forward Cyle Larin (9) congratulate each other after they beat the Los Angeles Galaxy at Orlando City Stadium. Orlando City SC defeated the Los Angeles Galaxy 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
  • Current Record (W-L-D): 4-1-0
  • Last Time Out: 2-1 win at home over the LA Galaxy
  • Player to Watch for: Carlos Rivas. Rivas has been playing well in recent weeks, but has yet to get on the scoresheet for Orlando. Rivas saw multiple efforts denied by the woodwork last week, and he will be eager to capitalize off what appears to be growing chemistry up top with Cyle Larin in previous outings.
  • Why They Win: Orlando’s transformed defense led by Jonathan Spector and ability to grind out results in close matches.
  • Why They Won’t: While showing promising flashes in recent weeks, Orlando has found goals hard to come by from any player other than Cyle Larin. If this continues and the defense isn’t able to keep the side in it, the Lions could drop their second away match of the year.
  • Predicted Starting XI:

New York City FC

Mar 12, 2017; New York, NY, USA; New York City FC forward David Villa (7) celebrates scoring a goal against the D.C. United during the first half at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 12, 2017; New York, NY, USA; New York City FC forward David Villa (7) celebrates scoring a goal against the D.C. United during the first half at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports /
  • Current Record (W-L-D): 3-2-1
  • Last Time Out: 2-0 away win against Philadelphia
  • Player to Watch for: Rónald Matarrita’s replacement. Following the loss of Matarrita due to an ankle injury, NYCFC will have to shift the back line. Orlando will likely seek to exploit this area.
  • Why They Win: New York City are unbeaten in their last eleven matches at home, winning nine and drawing two. The Blues will be hungry to defend their home turf.
  • Why They Won’t: David Villa and the offense could struggle to break down Orlando’s back line. If Villa isn’t given the supply he needs to dictate the offense, NYCFC could see their nice run of form at home come to an end.
  • Predicted Starting XI:

Score Prediction:

349. 2. 327. Final. 1

How to Watch:

Where: Yankee Stadium

When: Sunday, April 23, 1:30 pm ET

Channel: FS1

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