MLS: FC Cincinnati vs. Orlando City Preview, Odds, Prediction

This week’s MLS program starts on Friday night in Cincinnati, where home FC awaits Orlando City. The home team has struggled to provide consistency in the past few events, and it is no wonder they fell out of the playoff zone in the East. Though things aren’t that problematic for FC, who is tied with Charlotte at place No.7, but with a game in hand. Meanwhile, Orlando doesn’t thrill anyone with its performances, but the Lions are fourth in the conference, holding their own destiny at the half-point of the campaign.

Preview

FC Cincinnati (+120) is without a victory over the past three games, losing twice and paying a draw in the most recent clash with the Philadelphia Union, on the road. That one ended 1-1, and it was the fifth consecutive for Cincinnati in which they both scored and allowed a goal.

All but that one were with three or more goals; three with over 4.5, which suggests that this team like to play open and exciting matchups. Brandon Vasquez is their top scorer with eight goals, one hit fewer than Ebobisse and Ferreira, who lead the way. 

At home, things aren’t that great for FC, with just one victory in the recent four MLS clashes. The other three were losses, by the way. The efficiency of the MLS events at the TQL Stadium is high as well, and four of the past five were with over 2.5 goals, all of them with both teams scoring.

Orlando Lions (+220) have only one loss in the past five MLS games when counting the US Open Cup, in the previous seven clashes. Oscar Pareja and his guys have 25 points from 16 games, which is enough for the fourth place in the East.

Though, we’ve noticed a pretty interesting thing here: a negative goal difference, as they scored 20 goals while conceding 22. Eight of the past nine the Lions played saw both teams scoring, and seven have seen three or more goals. 

They are very good on the road, with only one defeat in eight MLS games this year, posting three wins and four draws, with a goal difference of 9 scored and eight allowed goals. 

Latest News

Allan Cruz is questionable, but he might play, while Isaac Atanga, Calvin Harris, Alec Kann, and Ronald Matarrita are all out for the home side. 

Mason Stajduhar is for sure out for the guests. Others should be ready to play. 

Head to Head Games

These two teams met on March 13, 2022, with the Cincinnati winning on the road in Orlando, 1-2. It was their first victory over the Lions since the expansion, as the Lions triumphed in four games, and two ended with a draw. 

Prediction

The Lions are more conservative on the road, but despite that, we believe that we should see an open game here with at least one goal on each side. Cinci has the ability to score, Orlando as well, primarily due to the hosts’ fragile defense. That is why we suggest betting on both teams netting, with the odds on that set at -166. 

Pick: Both teams to score -166