D.C. United vs. Orlando City SC: Preview, time, and how to watch

D.C. United goes head-to-head with Orlando City S.C. tonight, facing off with the Lions for the first time in almost a year. Troy Lesesne’s side has been showing increasing promise with every match this season, solidifying their identity and, quite frankly, playing the most entertaining soccer we’ve seen in years.

While Orlando may be coming into tonight’s match well-rested from a bye week, the Lions haven’t emerged victorious against the Black-and-Red since 2021. Oscar Pareja’s men will need to stay sharp to beat a strong D.C. side at Audi Field if they hope to move above the playoff line.

The Black-and-Red have been finding a bevy of chances so far this season but have failed to convert most, missing the mark on clinical finishing. The season is still young, but to ensure a shot at the playoffs, D.C. United will need to remedy this issue soon.

Lesesne hasn’t shied away from acknowledging that D.C. must improve in finishing to capitalize on created opportunities. As the team prepares to face Orlando, he told the media, “We need more complete performances. Now we need to see everything all the way out.”

Hear everything head coach Troy Lesesne had to say in the pre-match press conference here.

Fullback Aaron Herrera backed up Lesesne, saying the team needs to “win games consistently. As good of a year as it seems so far, we’ve only won two games…for us, it’s starting to turn the draws into wins.”

Will the Black-and-Red overcome the Lions once again? We’ll find out tonight!

Key Player: Aaron Herrera

Orlando will need to pay special attention to Aaron Herrera tonight. The newcomer to the Black-and-Red leads the team in assists and provides critical support to D.C.’s attack. The fullback came to D.C. United in a one-for-one swap with CF Montréal for Ruan.

Watch Out For: Duncan McGuire

McGuire is an absolutely fierce striker capable of creating trouble from a distance if necessary. He holds the record at Orlando for the fastest goal in club history, slotting one in to shock Minnesota in the first 13 seconds of their matchup. The Black-and-Red will need to keep tabs on him tonight.

Challenges: D.C. United will face a well-rested Orlando City as the Lions come into tonight’s match off a two-week break.

Previously: The Black-and-Red won their last meeting with Orlando City SC, 3-1, on April 22, 2023, at Exploria Stadium.

Orlando City SC Availability:

Out: Ramiro Enrique (ankle)

D.C. United Availability:

Out: Steven Birnbaum (knee), Russell Canouse (not due to injury), Theodore Ku-Dipietro (hip), Tyler Miller (shoulder)

Questionable: Garrison Tubbs (thigh)

Location: Audi Field, Washington, DC

Kickoff time: 7:30 pm ET

Referee: Guido Gonzales Jr

Available streaming: MLS Season Pass on Apple TV

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