Orlando vs LAFC: Preview, Prediction & Betting Picks

While anything is possible in MLS, LAFC's dominant form and stingy defense make them the favorites. However, Orlando City will be playing at home in front of their fans, which could add an element of unpredictability. Expect a close first half, but LAFC's firepower might eventually overpower Orlando City - Orlando City 1-2 LAFC

Get ready for a clash of titans this Saturday night as Orlando City faces LAFC at Exploria Stadium! Here's the breakdown for American soccer fans:

Match Info:

• Date: June 16th, 2024
• Time: 7:30 PM Eastern Time (ET)
• Location: Exploria Stadium, Orlando, Florida

Orlando City sits just outside the Eastern Conference playoff picture, currently in 11th place. They desperately need a win to keep pace with the congested standings. Their attack has been inconsistent lately, with only one goal scored in their last five games. Forward Duncan McGuire, with five goals this season, will be counted on to provide a spark.

LAFC, on the other hand, is soaring in the Western Conference, sitting just three points behind the leader. They've been nearly unbeatable, winning their last five games in a row and keeping a clean sheet in each of those victories. Their potent offense, led by 10-goal scorer Denis Bouanga, will be a major challenge for the Orlando defense.

Despite facing off only four times in MLS history, these teams haven't disappointed fans. Each team has secured two wins, with the other two meetings ending in a draw. LAFC has dominated in scoring, putting up 11 goals in those four matchups. Their last encounter saw a 4-2 LAFC victory.

Orlando City

Mikey Halliday and Tahir Reid-Brown missed the last game with knee and thigh injuries respectively. This means their status is in question for the next game.

LAFC

Lorenzo Dellavalle, David Martinez and Luis Muller have all been dealing with injuries, meaning their availability is in doubt for the upcoming game. There should be no injury concerns otherwise.

Orlando
In their last five games, Orlando City have won one, drawn two and lost two. It has been a poor stretch for Orlando, as they have struggled to pick up wins in recent weeks. The first game of this run, however, ended in a draw. It was a goalless tie with Inter Miami as their defence held firm against a talented attack, though they did not have to face Lionel Messi. Inter edged possession, but Orlando enjoyed more shot attempts.

They responded well to the dropped points with their only win of the run, a 1-0 victory against San Jose Earthquakes. Once again it was a very even game, but this time Orlando were able to get that crucial goal. It came very late, with Jack Lynn’s 88th minute winner the difference between the two sides. Unable to continue the winning momentum, they fell 2-0 at home to Columbus Crew in their next game.

Diego Rossi scored a brace for the visitors, the first coming on the stroke of half-time from the penalty spot. He netted his second 15 minutes into the second half, as Columbus found the net with two of their three shots on target.

The mini losing streak was snapped with another draw, this time 1-1 at Chicago Fire. Facundo Torres put Orlando ahead after four minutes, and this was a lead they held until the 70th minute when Hugo Cuypers equalised. Their most recent game was a 1-0 defeat at New York Red Bulls. Orlando were unable to generate much of an attacking threat despite their superior possession, as they only mustered one shot on target. Red Bulls took advantage of their opportunity, with John Tolkin scoring the only goal of the game in the 38th minute.

LAFC
In their last five games, LAFC have been perfect, winning all five of them. It has been a dominant stretch for the side as they compete near the top of the standings. Their latest game was a narrow 1-0 win, as they beat FC Dallas at home. Despite giving up more possession, they created plenty of opportunities throughout the game and eventually took one of them, with Denis Bouanga netting the decisive goal in the 74th minute.

This followed a 2-0 win at home to Minnesota. Bouanga was the scorer of the opening goal, as he converted a 38th minute penalty. It remained this way for a while, but they managed to grab a second late on to take the game away, with a goal from Mateusz Bogusz. They showcased their strengths at both ends of the pitch, restricting their visitors to just one shot on target. Atlanta United were their opponents the week before and it was another 1-0 win. Bogusz broke the deadlock three minutes after the hosts were reduced to 10 men with goalkeeper Brad Guzan seeing red. LA then had a man of their own sent off when Eduard Atuesta was dismissed. They were able to hang on to get the win.

Attention shifted to cup action as they took on USL side Loudoun United in the US Open Cup Round of 16. They won 3-0 to advance with goals from Timothy Tillman, Cristian Olivera and Tomas Angel Gutierrez. The first game of this run was a 2-0 win at St. Louis. Bouanga scored a second half brace, including one deep into second half stoppage time, as they took advantage of their hosts being reduced to 10 men.