Orlando City prepares to kick off the new season at home against Red Bull New York (RBNY), aiming to achieve significant Orlando City season milestones. The matchup, scheduled for this weekend, marks a critical moment for the Lions as they seek to build on last year’s efforts and capitalize on individual and team achievements.
Players on the Verge of Setting New Club Records
Several Orlando City players are poised to reach historic club milestones this season. Martín Ojeda enters the 2026 campaign just five assists short of matching Mauricio Pereyra’s record of 47 assists for the club. Additionally, Ojeda could tie Facundo Torres’ club goal record of 47 with 14 goals this season and would require 17 goals alongside eight assists to become the first player in Orlando City history to reach 50 in either category.
Forward Duncan McGuire is close to tying Nani for fourth place in Orlando City’s all-time scoring list with his next goal, which would be his 31st across all competitions. McGuire also nears a milestone of 100 appearances for the club, needing only three more games to hit that landmark.
Marco Pašalić has a chance to become Orlando City’s all-time MLS opening day goals leader if he scores against RBNY in the upcoming match. Pašalić created history last season with a two-goal performance in his debut.
Team Revamp Highlights New Season Prospects
After nearly four months, Orlando City returns to play following the conclusion of their 2025 season, which ended in the MLS Cup Playoffs Wild Card match versus Chicago. The team introduced seven new first-team signings this offseason, including three young players acquired through the U-22 Initiative, signaling a shift towards youth and future promise.
Maxime Crépeau joins as the new goalkeeper, bringing championship experience from his 2022 MLS Cup and Supporters’ Shield titles with LAFC. Crépeau is expected to challenge Dayne St. Clair for the starting goalkeeper role on Canada’s national team ahead of the FIFA World Cup.
In midfield, Orlando made a significant acquisition by securing Braian Ojeda from Real Salt Lake in exchange for $1.3 million in General Allocation Money. Ojeda returns to the Paraguayan national team after two years and will be a key figure alongside returnees Wilder Cartagena, who is back post-injury, and Eduard Atuesta, forming a formidable midfield lineup for the Lions.
The club has doubled down on Brazilian talent with three young signings covering all field areas: 20-year-old forward Tiago, who scored nine goals for Bahia last season; rising star midfielder Luís Otávio, formerly of Internacional and captain of Brazil’s U20 team; and center back Iago Teodoro, set to strengthen Orlando’s defense.
Orlando City also invested in the future by selecting four players in the 2026 MLS SuperDraft, signing two to first-team contracts: attacker Harvey Sarajian from Wake Forest and center back Nolan Miller from Michigan. Historically, Orlando has been highly successful in the SuperDraft, delivering talents such as Cyle Larin, Chris Mueller, and Daryl Dike to the senior squad.
Veterans and Departures Shape Team Dynamics
The club retains core veterans, including Martín Ojeda, who recently signed a contract extension through the 2029-30 season following his stellar 20 goals and 19 assists across all competitions in 2025. Marco Pašalić, another Designated Player, returns after an impressive debut season highlighted by 15 goals, six assists, and an MLS All-Star nod.
However, Orlando has bid farewell to longtime staples such as utility player Kyle Smith and goalkeeper Pedro Gallese, now with FC Cincinnati and Deportivo de Cali respectively. Smith amassed 216 appearances over seven seasons, while Gallese leaves as the club’s record-holder across major goalkeeper categories.
One of Orlando City’s brightest success stories, Alex Freeman, MLS Young Player of the Year and Best XI honoree, was sold to Spanish La Liga’s CF Villarreal. Freeman has started playing for “The Yellow Submarine” and is in contention for a spot on the United States squad at the World Cup.
The offseason also saw departures of midfielders César Araújo (to Tigres UANL) and Dagur Dan Thórhallsson (CF Montréal), center backs Rodrigo Schlegel (Atlas FC) and Thomas Williams (Nashville SC), and forwards Luis Muriel (Júnior FC), Shak Mohammed (Nashville SC), and Favian Loyola (Audax Italiano), reshaping the roster depth.
Orlando City Seeks to Revive Home Opener Success
Last season, Orlando’s long unbeaten streak in home openers ended with a loss to the Philadelphia Union. Historically, the Lions hold a 3-1-7 record on opening day, and this match marks their twelfth consecutive home opener. Orlando aims to reestablish momentum and confidence in front of its home supporters as it hosts RBNY.
Historical Rivalry Overview Against Red Bull New York
Orlando City holds an all-time competitive record of 9 wins, 11 losses, and 5 draws against Red Bull New York, with a slight +1 goal differential overall and a 5-5-3 record at home with +2 goal difference. Focusing on MLS matches alone, Orlando trails slightly with 8 wins, 10 losses, and 4 draws and a -2 goal differential.
The teams have met multiple times since 2015, with results varying each year, including home victories, away losses, and several draws, highlighting the competitive and close nature of the rivalry. These encounters set the stage for a highly contested clash in Orlando City’s 2026 season opener.
A Closer Look at the Opponent: Red Bull New York
Formerly known as the New York Red Bulls, Red Bull New York returns to Orlando for the second occasion in the Lions’ home opener. Orlando defeated RBNY 1-0 in last season’s opening match through a decisive penalty kick from Facundo Torres, adding an extra layer of rivalry anticipation.
New York recently ended its record 15-year playoff streak by missing the postseason in 2025 for the first time since 2009. Now, Orlando City stands as the active leader, having qualified for the playoffs in each of the last six seasons, a point of pride and motivation for the Lions.
RBNY has shaken up its coaching staff by replacing Sandro Schwarz with Michael Bradley, who makes his top-flight managerial debut this weekend. Bradley, son of former USMNT coach Bob Bradley, has a storied playing career with 151 appearances for the U.S. and recent success guiding RBNY II to an MLS Next Pro title in 2025.
Addressing attacking ambitions, Red Bull New York added winger Jorge Ruvalcaba as their third Designated Player, signing him from Pumas UNAM after notable performances including 16 goals and 9 assists in 100 matches. He joins veteran DPs Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting and Emil Forsberg, who last season contributed 17 goals/5 assists and 11 goals/11 assists respectively.
Outlook: What This Season Opener Means for Orlando City
With a blend of veteran leadership, up-and-coming talent, and high expectations for personal and team milestones, Orlando City enters the 2026 season opener with cautious optimism and intense focus. Achieving these milestones will not only uplift individual players like Martín Ojeda, Duncan McGuire, and Marco Pašalić but could also set an early tone for the team’s trajectory in the league.
Facing a retooled RBNY squad under new management adds uncertainty and intensity to the contest, reflecting a broader narrative of transformation and resilience within both clubs. Should Orlando City secure a strong start, it could ignite momentum for a deep postseason run and solidify its standing as an MLS playoff mainstay.
