​Orlando City v New England Revolution: Porter says visitors have ´chip on their shoulder´

The New England Revolution are approaching Saturday’s trip to Orlando City with a “chip on their shoulder” following a pair of disappointing results, says head coach Caleb Porter.

The Revs enjoyed a spectacular return to MLS action after the Leagues Cup break as they routed CF Montreal 5-0 on the road, but they were then beaten 2-0 at Real Salt Lake.

Last time out, New England squandered a 2-1 lead in a 2-2 draw with St. Louis City, leaving them five points adrift of the Eastern Conference playoff picture, albeit with two games in hand.

“It’s really important that we make up for the two points we lost in the last game, so our mindset is to go on the road and get a result in Orlando,” Porter said.

“Our guys have trained really well and they definitely have an edge or a chip on their shoulder to go and make up for the last game.”

Orlando, meanwhile, occupy the final automatic playoff place in the East after thrashing Nashville SC 3-0 last time out, their first win since returning to MLS action.

Head coach Oscar Pareja believes having a week off for the international break has benefitted his side, saying: “Getting the boys ready for this game has been good, in training we’ve tried to keep the players in competition mode.

“It’s just been exactly what we do normally, so we’re good. We have the national team players here and we’re ready.”

Reflecting on Orlando’s last win, he added: “It’s a good base and a good foundation, but my thoughts are always the same.

“That has already passed and now we need to build a new gameplan for this one.”

A beautiful day in the neighborhood. pic.twitter.com/UgMvxxosCe

— New England Revolution (@NERevolution) September 12, 2024

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Orlando City – Facundo Torres

Torres scored twice in Orlando’s 3-0 win over Nashville last time out on August 31, his ninth and 10th goals of the season in MLS play.

Torres, who scored 14 goals last season, is the second Orlando City player to record consecutive 10-goal seasons, along with Cyle Larin (three straight from 2017 to 2019).

New England Revolution – Carles Gil

Including playoffs, Gil has scored six goals against Orlando, more than against any other opponent in his MLS career.

MATCH PREDICTION – ORLANDO CITY WIN

Orlando have won their last two meetings with New England, including a 3-1 road victory on July 13. The Lions had managed two total wins in their first 16 regular-season matches against the Revs (seven draws, seven losses).

New England have only lost once in their last seven matches across all competitions (two wins, four draws), following a 2-2 draw with St. Louis last time out.

However, the trip to Florida is a tough one, with Orlando unbeaten in their last seven home matches (four wins, three draws), keeping clean sheets in each of their last two. The hosts go in as favourites.

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

Orlando City – 56%

New England Revolution – 21.3%

Draw – 22.7%