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MLS Orlando City SC

Storylines: City vs. Toronto FC

June 19, 2021 - Major League Soccer (MLS)
Orlando City SC News Release


Back from the Break

Saturday's match will serve as the first in three weeks' time for the Lions and the first of three in the coming seven days. After last taking the pitch on May 29 at Red Bull Arena, City will square off against Toronto before facing a quick turnaround against the San Jose Earthquakes on Tuesday, June 22 in front of a full-capacity crowd. Following that match at Exploria Stadium, the Lions will travel south to take on intrastate foes Inter Miami CF on Friday, June 25 at DRV PNK Stadium.

A First for Silvester

Dutch winger Silvester van der Water found the back of the net for the first time as a Lion in the Club's last outing, a week after earning his first goal contribution against Toronto FC with the assist on Tesho Akindele's eventual game-winner. The goal for van der Water marked the second-consecutive week the Netherlands native combined with Akindele, as well as Kyle Smith for a finish, as the trio was responsible for Akindele's finish the week prior.

Honoring Juneteenth

Juneteenth-inspired numbers will appear on the jerseys of all players competing during the weekend of June 18-20, designed by Indianapolis native Israel Solomon in collaboration with MLS and Black Players for Change. The jersey numbers - presented in a bold, empowering and visually attractive sharp-line red, black and green pattern - are inspired by Black culture and symbolize ancestry, liberation and cultural vibrancy. The game-worn jerseys from each team and their commemorative boxes are set to be auctioned off, with proceeds from the auction benefiting organizations supporting and uplifting Black communities in the markets of MLS teams.

Against the Reds

Saturday will serve as the second matchup between the Lions and Reds this season, the first coming on May 22 at Exploria Stadium. Tesho Akindele found the back of the net for the eventual game-winner in the 12th minute of that match, heading home a cross from Silvester van der Water for the finish. The victory marked the second-consecutive result for the Lions against the Reds, the last coming on August 10, 2019 at BMO Field in a 1-1 draw.

Sharing a Home

Despite the Lions being the away side on the weekend, the match will still take place at Exploria Stadium as Toronto FC continues to utilize the facility for its MLS home matches. Saturday's contest will be closed to fans, the first closed-door match in MLS regular-season play for Orlando City at Exploria Stadium in Club history.

Back in the Mix

Following the break, City have seen two members of the side return to the group as Lions' captain Luis Nani will be available for selection on Saturday after serving a two-game suspension prior to the international window. In addition, 2020 MLS Young Player of the Year finalist Daryl Dike has returned from his loan at Barnsley FC and began training with the side this week. The Lions will be without goalkeeper Pedro Gallese and midfielder Sebas Méndez, both away on international duty.

Milestone Tracker

Nani's next goal will tie him with Kaká for second in club history in all competitions (25).

Tesho Akindele's next goal will be his 40th in MLS regular-season play. He has scored 15 goals for Orlando City and 24 for FC Dallas.

Chris Mueller's next goal will be his 20th for Orlando City in all competitions and his 19th in the MLS regular season.

Mueller is two assists away from tying Kaká for the most in club history (22).

Mueller is six appearances away from tying Cristian Higuita for the most in club history in all competitions (108).

Júnior Urso's next start will be his 30th in all competitions for Orlando City.

Antonio Carlos' next start will be his 30th in all competitions for Orlando City.

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