Patrick Vieira’s side features three changes from the lineup that took on the Houston Dynamo, with Jesus Medina, Tommy McNamara and Ismael Tajouri-Shradi getting the nod tonight.
Alexander Callens will hit a milestone tonight as he earns his 50th appearance for NYCFC.
The Peruvian center-back will line-up alongside Sebastien Ibeagha in the defense, with Ebenezer Ofori and Anton Tinnerholm manning the fullback positions.
Ronald Matarrita and Rodney Wallace will be unavailable tonight as they are away on international duty with Costa Rica ahead of the 2018 FIFA World Cup.
Yangel Herrera will also be unavailable as he continues his recovery from an ankle injury.
You can watch the game live on FOX Sports Go, or listen along in English on WNYE 91.5 FM and in Spanish on WQBU 92.7 FM.
NYCFC XI: Johnson; Ofori, Ibeagha, Callens, Tinnerholm; Ring, Moralez, McNamara; Medina, Tajouri-Shradi, Berget
SUBS: Stuver, Hontondji, Sweat, Villa, Awuah, Lewis, Chanot
Key Stats
- Tonight marks the 11th meeting all-time between NYCFC and Orlando City SC. NYCFC trail Orlando City in the all-time series with a 3-5-2 record.
- The last clash of the two 2015 expansion teams occurred earlier this year on March 17, with the Boys in Blue earning three points in a 2-0 win in the Bronx.
- Orlando City are winless in their last three matches after going on a six-match winning streak. Orlando City’s most recent loss was a 2-1 defeat at home against the Chicago Fire on May 26.
- Following a loss this season, NYCFC bounce back quite well, with one win and one draw following their only two losses on the year.
- The Lions are .500 on the road this season (2W-2L) -- the losses both coming in their last two road matches against the Colorado Rapids and Toronto FC respectively.
- NYCFC head into the match with a perfect 5-0-0 record at home. The Cityzens also sport a franchise-record six straight wins at home dating back to last season, where they have outscored their opponents 17-2.
