Oct 16, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Orlando City FC goalkeeper Joseph Bendik (1) makes a save during the second half against the Philadelphia Union at Talen Energy Stadium. Orlando won 2-0. Mandatory Credit: Derik Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports

Columbus Crew SC vs DC United: Preview and How To Watch by Andrew Atkins

Philadelphia Union travel to Orlando City for the third matchday of the MLS season. Preview, projected lineups, and score prediction.

Orlando enters the match with questions about match fitness as their last game was postponed. Philadelphia Union, meanwhile, search for their first win after tying Toronto FC at home.

Here’s the preview, predicted lineup, and score prediction:

Orlando City

Not much has changed in Orlando City since last week.

How to replace Kaka? Orlando City have faith in Matias Perez Garcia, others https://t.co/69a3BdSuGL #OCSC #MLS — David Turner (@DHT22) March 14, 2017

With match fitness possibly an issue, mentality will come sharply into focus. Matias Perez, tasked with taking over Kaka’s creative role, had this to say about Coach Jason Kreis instilling this new mentality.

I put on my Instagram page that this last game was a final. The reason why I did that is because, as a team, we decided we were going to play every game [this season] as a final.

I personally worry that this approach may burn out Orlando City over the long MLS season. It will be taxing to truly carry this level of ferocity into each match, but it can potentially lead to a hot start. Regardless, the Union should provide a great test to see if this new fighter’s mentality is setting in.

Cyle Larin will look to carry the scoring load until Kaka returns. Hopefully, the Lions can survive the next few weeks without their talisman.

The back line found their rhythm quickly in the last match, but may have trouble due to the extended time off. Jonathan Spector will be key to keeping things organized.

More great news for the other rock in the back, Joe Bendik. After being named to the first MLS Team of the Week, the Lions have re-signed him to a three year contract.

Predicted Starting XI.

Philadelphia Union

Despite starting this season somewhat slowly, the Philadelphia Union seem close to figuring it out.

Resiliently, the Union came back from behind to tie a strong Toronto squad. Coach Jim Curtin seeks to maintain a consistent lineup but an injury to striker Jay Simpson will force him to make at least 1 change, nevertheless.

CJ Sapong expects to slot in for Simpson, who was subbed off early and sent to the hospital for a rib injury. The competition for the starting spot between the two has yielded promising results, so far, with both players scoring last match. Hopefully, the injury doesn’t keep Simpson out too long.

Some good news for the Union, Playmaker Alejandro Bedoya has, once again, been called up to the US Men’s National Team.

Predicted starting XI.

Prediction

Both teams still have something to prove to themselves in the early days of the MLS season.

Orlando City may be stronger in the back than pundits initially gave them credit for. As NYCFC has already learned, this could make them a tough out, especially when at home in their brand new stadium.

Goals are a premium in the MLS, however, and Orlando City without Kaka may seem toothless in attack. Their defensive effort will be critical in holding onto these precious points.

Since holding onto possession is not their strong suit, look for the Lions to sit back, absorb pressure, and try to catch Philly on the counter. Defending like this for a full 90 is beyond tiring so I wouldn’t be surprised to see Orlando City start to fade as the game ticks on.

Philadelphia, meanwhile, have a lot of potential in their attack. I expect the goals to eventually start pouring in as the season progresses. I do not predict the Union’s offense to explode here, though, due to Orlando’s potential defensive ability.

The Union will likely control possession throughout the match, but may struggle for out and out chances, similar to NYCFC, in the first week.

Despite that, Philadelphia Union should be enjoying nearly a 45 degree swing in temperature, and should be putting Orlando City under pressure most of the day.

Kickoff is at 7:30 EST.

How to Watch

Philadelphia TV: The Comcast Network / Orlando TV: WRDQ TV 27 / MLS LIVE

Orlando Radio: 104.1 FM (English), La Granda 1030 AM or La Nueva 990 AM (Spanish) / Philadelphia Radio: N/A