Prediction: New York Red Bulls vs Orlando City

Desperately searching for a crucial MLS boost in the early hours of Sunday, New York will welcome Orlando to the Sports Illustrated Stadium this weekend.

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Verdict: Goal to be scored in both halves

New York Red Bulls

Starting with the hosts, while New York might have entered the MLS’ summer interval with a much-welcomed 2-1 victory away at Sporting KC, the Red Bulls have shown a string of issues since marking their return. Last seen putting in another concerning performance as they eventually fell to a 2-0 loss at home against Charlotte, Michael Bradley’s men have suffered consecutive MLS defeats for the first time since the start of May. Coming under plenty of scrutiny last week as they slumped to a deserved 3-1 drumming against Philadelphia, the former Toronto boss will have some mounting pressure on his shoulders. Mustering just a sole win from their previous four attempts, New York also know the importance of finding some essential defensive grit. In fact, Sunday’s hosts have remarkably claimed just a sole clean sheet from any of their last 18 consecutive appearances across all competitions – a rut that stems back to the end of February.

Shown a dramatic last-gasp red card against Charlotte, 17-year-old Adri Mehmeti will miss out through suspension this weekend. Academy graduate AJ Marcucci remains on the sidelines with a long-term knee injury and won’t play any part here.

Coming off the bench and making his MLS debut last time out, Panama youngster Jimenez should get some more minutes under his belt. Former RB Leipzig star and Sweden international Emil Forsberg will start in the middle of the park.

Orlando City

As for the visitors, while Orlando might have entered the MLS’ summer interval with a shock 6-2 drumming away at Cincinnati, it appears that was just a minor boost for the Lions. Marking their return on July 23rd with a sensational display as they stormed their way to a dominant 4-0 romp away at San Jose, interim boss Martin Perelman should find the mood in his camp at a season-high. Skyrocketing their way up the Eastern Conference standings and with their sights fixed on wrapping up a play-off ticket in 2026, Sunday’s guests have won three of their previous four appearances across all competitions. Extending on their US Open Cup adventure on May 20th as they cruised their way to a 4-1 victory at home against Atlanta, the Lions could be smelling the chance to make another public statement here.

Both still dealing with respective knee injuries, Orlando will once again be unable to call upon the duo of Joran Gerbet and former Columbus youngster Nolan Miller in the early hours of Sunday.

However, forced to serve a one-match MLS suspension against Nashville last time out, Orlando will welcome back Colombian midfielder Eduard Atuesta here. Arriving from Brazilian outfit Internacional ahead of the 2026 campaign, Luis Otavio will start in the middle of the park.

New York Red Bulls vs Orlando City Key Factors to Consider

• When New York and Orlando last met for an MLS showdown back on February 22nd, the Red Bulls clinched a 2-1 victory in Florida.
• New York have suffered back-to-back MLS defeats for the first time since the start of May.
• The Red Bulls have remarkably claimed just a sole clean sheet from any of their last 18 consecutive appearances across all competitions – a rut that stems back to the end of February.
• Orlando have won three of their previous four domestic appearances across all competitions.
• The Lions have seen five of their last six away fixtures finish with over 3.5 goals.

Showing some major issues since returning from the MLS’ summer interval, New York have the feel of a squad who are desperately searching for an essential boost this weekend. Gaining a reputation for their staggering defensive issues and remarkably landing just a sole clean sheet from any of their previous 18 consecutive appearances across all competitions, they will meet an Orlando squad who have hit top gear at a crucial time. With the Lions seeing five of their last six matchups outside of Florida finish with over 3.5 goals, we could be treated to another thrilling MLS showdown here.

Verdict: Goal to be scored in both halves

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