After starting the 2016 MLS season 1-0-6, New York Red Bulls earned a deserved victory at home against Orlando City SC. Although the 3-2 scoreline doesn't suggest domination, RBNY controlled the tempo for the majority of the game, after having to shake off and compensate for an early 3' Cyle Larin goal. The victory was confirmation of something our expected goals numbers have been saying all season – NYRB have gotten very unlucky with their finishing, having converted almost 13 fewer goals than they should have expected.

After some experimentation as a product of frustration and injury, Jesse Marsch reverted to a familiar lineup with a lower, defensive block, initially. The defensive line of confrontation for RBNY started ten yards from the tip of the center circle in Orlando's defensive half, but was quickly advanced in reaction to a conceded goal.

Adrian Heath had to adjust his personnel as Kaka and Antonio Nocerino were unavailable for selection. The shape was adjusted to a 4-4-2 to originally introduce Julio Baptista alongside Larin for his first start for Orlando. Throughout the match, Baptista was consistently sagging into the midfield to help with defensive shape and to pick up the ball offensively in a #10 pocket, thus Orlando truly looked like a 4-4-1-1.