Orlando City vs Dc United Picks and Predictions March 22nd 2025

Revamped D.C. United Look to Avenge Last Year’s Rout Against Orlando City

D.C. United hasn’t forgotten the 5-0 thrashing it suffered the last time it faced Orlando City. But a lot has changed since that humbling loss last July. Now revitalized and unbeaten in their first four matches of the 2024 season, the Black and Red will look for redemption on Saturday when they travel to face Orlando at Exploria Stadium.

D.C. (1-0-3, 6 points) enters the match as one of only three Eastern Conference teams without a loss this season. That record is due in no small part to the resurgence of Christian Benteke, who has scored three goals so far and remains the focal point of the attack.

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The former Premier League striker was denied a fourth last week in a 0-0 draw with CF Montreal after VAR ruled out a potential goal for handball. Still, Benteke managed eight shots in the match and consistently pressured the Montreal defense.

“We didn’t have the same type of aggression and pressing style that you usually see,” said D.C. head coach Troy Lesesne. “If we’re that way against Orlando City, they’re very, very good and can hurt you.”

Orlando’s Defensive Woes Put Pressure on Young Keeper

For Orlando City (1-2-1, 4 points), defense has been a sore spot. The Lions have allowed 10 goals in four matches—tied for the most in MLS—and now they’ll be without their veteran goalkeeper Pedro Gallese, who’s on international duty with Peru.

Stepping in is 22-year-old Javier Otero, who will make his first MLS start on Saturday. Otero appeared once last season in relief, conceding three goals in a 4-2 loss to New York City FC. Facing a red-hot Benteke and a confident D.C. squad presents a daunting challenge for the young shot-stopper.

“I am very convinced that Duncan will be back at his best level soon,” said Orlando coach Oscar Pareja, referring to forward Duncan McGuire, who returned last week from shoulder surgery. “Everything he brings is good news to our defensive side.”

McGuire, who’s netted 23 goals over the past two seasons, provides a much-needed spark for Orlando’s attack. He’ll be expected to help take pressure off Otero and a shaky backline.

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D.C.’s Transformation Since Last Meeting

It’s hard to overlook the massive turnaround D.C. has experienced since that brutal loss to Orlando last summer. That result extended their winless streak to 11 games at the time. Since then, they’ve posted a 7-3-5 record and developed a more composed and organized identity under Lesesne.

Last week, first-year goalkeeper Kim Joon-Hong secured his first MLS clean sheet in Montreal with three saves, highlighting D.C.’s newfound defensive resilience.

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