– Orlando City lost their away game at NYCFC for the fourth consecutive season on June 28, falling behind 3-0 in the first half en route to a 4-2 defeat at Yankee Stadium. Since that game, Orlando City has not dropped a single point and has outscored its opponents 13-2. NYCFC, meanwhile, is 1-1-2 in four matches since the last meeting, giving up seven points in the table to Orlando in that time.
– The Pigeons did enjoy a nice result on Wednesday night, rallying from a 2-0 halftime deficit to draw Atlanta 2-2 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. After featuring for just six minutes all season prior to Wednesday night, Talles Magno came off the bench to win and score the equalizing penalty for NYCFC.
– NYC was missing some big pieces in Atlanta. DPs Thiago Martins and Santiago Rodríguez were both left out of the matchday squad for unknown reasons, while starting fullbacks Kevin O’Toole and Tayvon Gray are both injured and defensive midfielder James Sands missed out due to yellow card accumulation. Sands should be back for the weekend, with the status of the others to be determined.
– NYCFC attacking midfielder Maxi Moralez has been a thorn in the Lions’ side over the years, recording 6 G/6 A in 14 matches in all competitions against Orlando City. Moralez, 37, has largely been coming off the bench since his return from a torn ACL this spring, playing the second half on Wednesday night in Atlanta.
