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The New York Red Bulls will look to steady the ship today when they take on Orlando City in the recently-opened Orlando City Stadium. New York has struggled so far this season, but due to the parity in the Eastern Conference is only three points out of first place after losing last week to Houston Dynamo.
The Red Bulls have not had great success at either end of the field this season. On defense, the Red Bulls have allowed the eight goals in five games - almost twice as many as they have managed to score. An offensive return of five goals in five matches is hardly superior attacking form.
The Lions are also looking to bounce back from a loss as the suffered their first loss of the season last week against Columbus, but will be excited to return to their brand new stadium where they remain undefeated in the two matches they have played their so far this season.
Orland have been without star Kaka since the opening week of the season and have turned to the transfer market to add some creativity to their roster adding Luis Gil on loan from Queretaro this week. It has not been stated whether or not the midfielder will be ready to make his debut this week.
The Red Bulls have won two of the previous three meetings between the two Eastern Conference side, with RBNY winning the last match-up, 2-0, with goals from Connor Lade and Felipe. New York has yet to lose on a visit to Orlando. The team will seek to continue that trend in MLS 2017.
Key Players
Cyle Larin - Larin has defied my expectations and has continued thrive without Orlando’s Brazilian maestro. Kaka. Larin has three goals in three matches this season for Orlando in 2017 without his partner in crime. In his young career the Canadian international has done very well against New York with four career goals. With the proper service from Matias Perez- Garcia and Carlos Rivas Larin can make a leaky defense pay.
Luis Robles - Robles is key in fixing the Red Bulls defensive woes. The goalkeeper has been a steady presence for the Red Bulls in net since arriving at the club and is a leader on and off the field. Goalkeeping play is huge in away games so the Red Bulls will need him at his best today.