Here are five storylines to watch for Saturday's matchup at Red Bull New York:
Canadian Command
Orlando City recorded its first two MLS clean sheets of the season in its first two matches since returning from the MLS break for the FIFA World Cup. Goalkeeper Maxime Crépeau, a 2026 MLS All-Star, has anchored the Lions’ defensive effort with 10 saves across the club’s last two matches. In the season opener against Red Bull New York, the Canadian international recorded a season-high and MLS career-high 11 saves.
Young Lions, Big Moment
Orlando City’s July 25 win over Nashville SC marked the first time in club history that three teenagers started an MLS match for the Lions, with Bernardo Rhein (18), Justin Ellis (19) and Luís Otávio (19) all in the starting XI. Rhein earned his first career MLS start after signing a First Team contract earlier that day, while Ellis assisted Tyrese Spicer’s game-winning goal.
Adding a Little Spice
Tyrese Spicer made his 60th career MLS appearance and 20th for Orlando City after entering as a second-half substitute against Nashville SC. The No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 MLS SuperDraft found the breakthrough in the 72nd minute, scoring the game-winning goal for his third MLS goal of the season. Spicer’s three MLS goals rank second on the team, trailing only Martín Ojeda.
Big Apple Matchup
Orlando City holds a 8W-12L-5D all-time record against Red Bull New York, with the two sides each scoring 35 goals in the series. Last season, the clubs played to a pair of draws. The Lions earned a 2-2 result in New Jersey before the sides battled to a scoreless draw at Inter.co Stadium. The teams last met in the season opener on Feb. 22, 2026, with the Red Bulls earning the win. Brazilian U-22 forward Tiago scored his first MLS goal in his Lions debut after entering as a second-half substitute.
Homegrown Helper
Justin Ellis has recorded three assists across Orlando City’s last two matches, including a two-assist performance in the Lions’ 4-0 win over the San Jose Earthquakes on July 22. The 19-year-old Homegrown forward assisted on Antoine Griezmann’s first goal for Orlando City and 300th professional club goal before adding the secondary assist on Braian Ojeda’s first goal of the 2026 campaign. Ellis followed with his fifth assist of the season against Nashville SC, setting up Tyrese Spicer’s game-winning goal in the 72nd minute, earning him MLS Team of the Matchday honors.
Milestone Tracker
-Martín Ojeda needs three goals to tie Facundo Torres’ club record of 47 across all competitions. Ojeda is five assists from matching Mauricio Pereyra’s club record of 47.
-Iván Angulo is one assist away from becoming the third player in club history to reach 40 assists in all competitions for Orlando City.
