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Orlando City SC

Pareja, Lions Prepare for Major Test from Columbus Crew

October 10, 2020 - Major League Soccer (MLS)
Orlando City SC News Release


It's a heavyweight clash on Sunday night, with the high-flying Columbus Crew coming to Exploria Stadium to take on Orlando City.

Despite a recent dip in form, thanks in part to injuries to playmaker Lucas Zelarayan and midfield rock Darlington Nagbe, the Crew sit tied for second in the East with 31 points, just a smidge better than Orlando's 30-point mark. Both teams would be on pace for 60+ points in a full 34-game season.

"The boys are excited to get into this challenge, knowing the importance of not just the three points, but the message that we can lay there on facing Columbus, one of the most consistent teams in the [league]," said Orlando City head coach Oscar Pareja at his weekly press conference on Friday. "So we're good, the energy is like always, getting prepared and training well, and looking up for that game."

Despite their injuries, the Crew boast impressive depth and have been able to survive multiple absences. Even with their slide over the past couple of weeks, Columbus boast the best defensive record in MLS, with just 12 goals conceded in 16 games played.

"I think they have a very good roster," said Pareja in his evaluation of the Crew. "I think they have players with a lot of experience. When I've reviewed their games, because I saw them obviously more often when they were in the bubble, they have a good group of players with a lot of talent, so we have to recognize that they...seem like they have been gelling together."

Orlando City come in with a league-best and club-record 10-game unbeaten streak. Sunday will mark 50 days without a loss for the Lions, with six victories and four draws in the intervening period.

They have done this with injuries to several key players, including João Moutinho, Uri Rosell, Ruan, Antonio Carlos, Tesho Akindele, and most recently star playmaker Mauricio Pereyra, who left last Saturday's game against the New York Red Bulls at halftime. They are also missing goalkeeper Pedro Gallese and midfielder Sebas Méndez, both away on international duty.

Even with these challenges in front of them, Pareja believes his Lions can get after the Crew.

"Like any other team in the league, they are...showing some weaknesses and some opportunities that we can take advantage of," said Pareja. "And as we say, we all have some strengths and we have some challenges too, and we're trying to always study those parts where we can take some advantage during the game."

Orlando City and Columbus are scheduled to kick off on Sunday night at 7:30 pm at Exploria Stadium. Pre-game coverage begins at 7 pm on FOX35 Plus, FM 96.9 the Game and Acción 97.9 FM.

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