The New York Red Bulls (3-2-2, 11 pts.) travel to Exploria Stadium to take on Orlando City (4-2-2, 14 pts.) on Sunday, April 24. Kickoff is set for 3:30 p.m. ET with coverage on ESPN and New York Red Bulls Radio in English and Spanish via TuneIn, the New York Red Bulls app and NewYorkRedBulls.com.
Get to know who the Red Bulls will be playing in their upcoming matchup.
How they’re doing
Orlando City was picked 12th overall, and fifth in the eastern conference, in the MLS preseason power rankings. Through eight matches this season, they’ve exceeded expectations.
They currently sit in second place in the eastern conference, right in front of New York, with 14 points from eight matches.
They are 3-1-1 in their last five matches, and haven’t allowed a goal in their last two.Â
For a team that gave up the most goals of any eastern conference team that made the playoffs last season, Orlando has been stout on the defensive end so far in 2022. Minus a rain-soaked 4-2 loss to LAFC, Orlando has only allowed three goals so far this season.
For New York, a team that has scored three goals in MLS league games since March 5, breaking through the Orlando defense will be a tough test.
Head-to-Head History
New York and Orlando City have played each other 15 times since Orlando joined MLS in 2015.
The Red Bulls currently own an 8-5-2 record against Orlando and have not lost to them since March 10, 2020.
Last season, the Red Bulls pulled out two separate 2-1 victories to sweep the season series. Cristian Cásseres Jr. scored in both matches.
Who to Watch: Forward Alexandre Pato
Pato, the Brazilian forward, will probably be the most internationally recognizable name on the field on Sunday.
Once considered to be one of the world’s best young talents, Pato now finds himself as one of the main threats in the Orlando City attack.
Pato, who has 163 career goals for global clubs like AC Milan, Villarreal, Chelsea, and São Paulo, will be the name to watch going forward for Orlando against New York.
After being released by São Paulo in August, 2020, Orlando City took a chance on the free agent forward, signing him in February, 2021.Â
Only making 6 appearances in the entire 2021 season, Pato has been a key part of the Orlando attack so far in 2022.Â
Through six appearances in 2022, Pato has two goals and two assists. He also leads the team with 17 total scoring attempts, with the next highest on the team only having 11.
As New York tries to extend its unbeaten run on the road to start the season, Pato will be one of the main attackers to watch.
