Orlando City v Charlotte FC: McGuire glad to be back among the goals

Duncan McGuire is glad to be back among the goals as Orlando City continue their playoff charge, with a home clash with Eastern Conference rivals Charlotte FC next on the agenda.

McGuire had gone over two months without a goal in MLS play since netting in June’s 4-2 defeat to New York City, prior to Saturday’s meeting with the New England Revolution.

But he was on target in a 3-0 win for Oscar Pareja’s team, who now boast a four-point cushion to those outside the automatic playoff spots in the Eastern Conference standings.

Speaking after the game, the forward said: “It’s always good to score. It has been a while since I’ve scored.

“It’s been a bit annoying for my standards, so I’m definitely glad to be back on the scoresheet.

“But at the end of the day, if we’re winning as a team, then that’s all that matters. But yeah, I’m definitely glad to be back on the scoresheet and hopefully I can keep it going.

“We’re very excited and it helps us with motivation and confidence going into the next one. We’re excited to get the win and onto Wednesday.”

Big Dunc back on the score sheet and Nico into the record books pic.twitter.com/ueHTU7QZVC

— Orlando City SC (@OrlandoCitySC) September 17, 2024

Wednesday’s game could prove pivotal in the battle to reach the postseason, with Charlotte just two places and two points behind the Lions in the standings.

The Crown were going well before the Leagues Cup break but have since suffered back-to-back losses versus Atlanta United and CF Montreal, leading coach Dean Smith to rally his troops.

“Before the break, we had three of the toughest games you can get, and we came through those away games unbeaten with five points and probably should have had more,” he said.

“My consistent message is this is a new game; this is a new beginning.

“When you have six games left and build it like that, then they know their performance levels have to be to go and win that game.”

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Orlando City – Duncan McGuire

Since the beginning of last season, McGuire has recorded 27 goal contributions (21 goals, six assists) in the regular season for Orlando.

That is the second most by any American in that time, behind only Brian White (34).

Charlotte FC – Tim Ream

Ream scored his first goal for Charlotte from a header against Montreal last time out. It was Ream’s second career MLS goal, with the other coming on September 11 2010, for the New York Red Bulls, a gap of 5,117 days.

MATCH PREDICTION – ORLANDO CITY WIN

Charlotte are unbeaten in four straight matches against Orlando City in all competitions (two wins, two draws) after the Lions won each of the first two meetings between the sides.

The Crown have also scored at least once in each of their last four away matches in league play, only being shut out three times on their travels this year. Only five MLS teams have been shut out fewer times on the road this season.

While they will carry a threat, Orlando have won their last two games by 3-0 scorelines, at home to Nashville SC and New England, the first time they have won back-to-back MLS matches by three or more goals. They go in as favourites.

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

Orlando City – 53.4%

Charlotte FC – 22.7%

Draw – 23.9%