This LA Galaxy vs. Orlando City match can be used to build momentum for Los Angeles. The Galaxy got their first win of the season, a 2-0 home win over Austin FC, and will want more. Although they are currently in 13th place in the Western Conference with a – 5 goal differential, the signs of improvement are growing clearer. Head Coach Greg Vanney claimed his team had their “best full 90-minute performance” in their last match vs. ATX, and was itself an improvement on the previous week’s performance.
Now LA will try to get a win on the road without their talisman and engine Riqui Puig. It will be a good opportunity for others on the squad to step up in his absence. Someone, like Los Angeles Galaxy Captain Javier “Chicharito” Hernández, will have to provide the offensive punch for the Galaxy to earn their second win of the MLS season. LA will try to avenge a 1-0 home loss to the Lions from last season.
LA Galaxy vs. Orlando City Predictions at Exploria Stadium
City of Dreams in Orlando 💙🤍💛#LAGalaxy x @Platinum7X pic.twitter.com/hbnQwWCTUs
— LA Galaxy (@LAGalaxy) April 26, 2023
LA Galaxy’s Current Run of Form
It starts with one. And now that the Galaxy has that first win, they can concentrate on getting more. The team should look even better as they get healthier and all their pieces, like new signing Mauricio Cuevas, start integrating into the team.
They’ll look even more dangerous as they settle into their new 3-5-2 formation. In theory, this should give the Galaxy more width and should create more chances and goals. But without Riqui Rocket to pull the strings, will LA’s attack show the improvement of their last two matches? Or will we see a regression?
Read More: 2023 LA Galaxy Season Preview: Riqui Shoots for MVP
Orlando City’s Current Run of Form
Orlando City is a tale of two teams. Their 3-2-3 record with 11 points has earned them the 9th spot in the Eastern Conference with a -2 goal differential. Worryingly, Orlando City has not won at home all season except for opening day. They have a 1-3-2 record at Exploria Stadium, including a one-all draw against Tigres in the CONCACAF Champions League back in mid-March.
By contrast, they haven’t lost on the road this season. Their 2-1 away win over Philadelphia earlier this season should lift Coach Oscar Pareja in dark times. Unfortunately for them, they’ll be playing the Galaxy at home this weekend. Unless they can turn around their home form, expect a long night for the Lions. Facundo Torres, Mauricio Pereyra, and Pedro Gallese will be expected to carry this team during this match.
Recent Head-to-Head
The Galaxy lost this game last year 1-0 at home. That day Facundo Torres was the goalscorer for OCSC. But Orlando City was just repaying the favor after the Galaxy also scored a 1-0 away win against them in the previous match. There has never been a draw in this fixture, so look for one team to run away with it.
LA Galaxy vs. Orlando City Prediction
All signs are pointing to another LA Galaxy win. Their recent improved play thanks to an ability to find width will only get better. This, and the fact that Orlando City hasn’t done at all well in defending their home this season means the Galaxy can steal this one. Someone will have to take up the offensive slack burden that Puig usually carries. But if Joveljić or Preston Judd can’t find goals, the Jalen Neal-led defense should be able to handle Orlando’s misfiring home attack. Look for another 2-0 or 3-1 win for the Galaxy’s second straight win. This will set them up for an opportunity at a third win next week against the Colorado Rapids at home.
