Going against dynamic D.C. United striker Christian Benteke, Orlando City goalkeeper Javier Otero has a difficult task when he gets his first MLS start on Saturday on his home pitch.
The 22-year-old Otero and Orlando (1-2-1, 4 points) also face a rejuvenated side in D.C. (1-0-3, 6 points), which is one of just three teams in MLS’ Eastern Conference that has yet to lose.
The 6-foot-6 Otero will need to loom large behind a struggling Lions defense, which is tied with Toronto for the most goals surrendered (10) in MLS.
Otero is taking over for veteran Pedro Gallese, who is with the Peru national team for a pair of World Cup qualifying matches.
Otero hopes for a better outcome than his MLS debut last year when he gave up three goals in relief in a 4-2 loss to New York City FC.
Orlando is coming off a frustrating 2-2 road draw against the New York Red Bulls, in which it gave up two disappointing goals, including one on a penalty kick.
One positive was the return of Duncan McGuire, who played for the first time this year after undergoing shoulder surgery in December. McGuire scored a combined 23 goals in the last two seasons for the Lions.
“I am very convinced that Duncan will be back at his best level soon,” Orlando coach Oscar Pareja said. “Everything he brings is good news to our defensive side.”
The last time the teams met, in July of last year, Orlando dominated D.C. 5-0. The loss extended the Black and Red’s winless streak to 11 matches (0-8-3).
Since that defeat, however, D.C. has been a different team, going 7-3-5.
D.C. played CF Montreal to a scoreless draw last week as first-year keeper Kim Joon-Hong made three saves to record his first MLS clean sheet.
The Black and Red generated several chances, including an apparent goal by Benteke, which was waved off because of a handball. Benteke, who has three goals this year, failed to score on eight shots against Montreal keeper Jonathan Sirois (seven saves).
“We didn’t have the same type of aggression and pressing style that you usually see,” D.C. coach Troy Lesesne said. “If we’re that way against Orlando City, they’re very, very good and can hurt you.”
–Field Level Media
