By the Numbers | the Lions Fight the Fire
October 2, 2019 - Major League Soccer (MLS)
Orlando City SC News Release
5 - Benji Bangers
Homegrown forward Benji Michel has enjoyed a productive rookie season in 2019. Michel scored his first professional goal against New England in the U.S. Open Cup on June 19; since scoring that goal, Michel is tied with Tesho Akindele for the team lead in goals in all competitions with five. What's more, all five of Michel's goals have either tied or won a game for Orlando. His most recent bit of heroism came on Sunday in Cincinnati, when he knocked home City's second stoppage-time goal of 2019 (and the first to change a result).
10/10 - Nani Double Digits
Nani provided the secondary assist on Michel's stoppage-time equalizer, helping him to rewrite yet another piece of the Orlando City record books. Nani is the first City player to notch at least 10 goals and 10 assists in a single season. Nani's 22 goal contributions are also a team record, and he's paced to become the first Lion to lead the side in goals and assists in the same season.
75 - New goals conceded record
Orlando City's defense is almost certain to set a new club record for fewest goals conceded in a single season, as the team sits at 47 goals shipped with one match to play (the previous record of 56 was set in 2015). But they've also wiped out a bit of infamy in the process- with Michel's goal on Sunday, FC Cincinnati has overtaken the 2018 Orlando team for most goals conceded in an MLS season, at 75. Orlando's current 27-goal improvement from last year is just four shy of the MLS record.
12 - Gaitan helpers
Nani has been a top-tier player this season, but Orlando aren't the only team taking the field on Sunday with a dynamic playmaker- the Chicago Fire have one of their own in Nico Gaitan. The Argentine, signed from China with TAM in mid-March, has contributed 12 assists in 26 games for the Fire, just two off the Chicago club record held jointly by Jerzy Podbronzy (1998) and Peter Nowak (2000). Gaitan and Nani also spent time together in the Portuguese top flight, while Gaitan was with Benfica and Nani was at Sporting CP during the 2014/15 season.
1.5 - FAIRWINDS Credit Union
Score up to 1.5% cash back and LionNation points when you use your FAIRWINDS Orlando City Visa® or Orlando Pride Visa® on game day purchases and everyday essentials. Apply today and get purple carded.
• Discuss this story on the Major League Soccer message board...
Major League Soccer Stories from October 2, 2019
- MLS Disciplinary Committee Decisions Announced - MLS
- Morris and Roldan Called into U.S. Men's National Team for Pair of CONCACAF Nations League Matches - Seattle Sounders FC
- LAFC Looks to Close out Regular Season with Record-Breaking Goals Feat: Week 31 MLS News & Notes - MLS
- Broadcast Update: New England Revolution Match on October 6 at Atlanta United to Air on New England Cable News - New England Revolution
- Four Players Selected for National Team Duties - Club de Foot Montreal
- By the Numbers | the Lions Fight the Fire - Orlando City SC
- Know Your Opponent: Chicago Fire - Orlando City SC
- Lima, Yueill Called up to U.S. Men's National Team - San Jose Earthquakes
- Five Real Salt Lake Players Earn National Team Calls - Real Salt Lake
- Bryan Acosta, Reggie Cannon, Zdenek Ondrasek Called into National Team Duty - FC Dallas
- Aaron Long Named to USMNT Roster for CONCACAF Nations League Matches - New York Red Bulls
- Columbus Crew SC's Wil Trapp and Gyasi Zardes Receive International Call-Ups - Columbus Crew SC
- Philadelphia Union's Brenden Aaronson Receives International Call-Up - Philadelphia Union
- Four Members of Toronto FC Called for National Team Duty - Toronto FC
- Paul Arriola Called into USMNT's Inaugural CONCACAF Nations League Matches against Cuba and Canada - D.C. United
- OSC Weekly Ratings Wrapup - OSC Original by David Carlson
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
Other Recent Orlando City SC Stories
- Inter&Co Stadium Ready to Welcome Back Orlando City and Orlando Pride for Regular Season Returns
- Orlando City & Orlando Pride's "Orlando Soccer Insider" Wins 45th Season Telly Award
- Orlando City SC Falls on the Road to New York Red Bulls
- The Assist: Orlando City SC at New York Red Bulls - June 1, 2024
- Kickstand Cocktails Turns up the Heat as the New Spicy Canned Cocktail of Orlando City SC and Orlando Pride