Orlando City head coach Oscar Pareja believes his side are struggling to find consistency due to the introduction of players returning from injuries and debuts for youngsters.
After losing their 2026 MLS opener 2-1 to the New York Red Bulls, Orlando were defeated 4-2 by Inter Miami last time out to leave them 11th in the Eastern Conference.
Orlando were 2-0 up against Miami inside the opening 30 minutes, but a poor second half, in which Colin Guske was sent off, proved costly for Pareja’s side.
Ahead of Orlando’s trip to New York City FC on Saturday, Pareja admitted his side have no excuse for their poor form.
“We’re aiming for consistency, but we’re not finding it,” said Pareja after Orlando’s loss to Miami.
“Injuries and the need to ease players back have affected us in important moments. It’s difficult, yes, but we should still be able to deal with it.”
Nineteen-year-old Guske was making just his second MLS start for Orlando, while Tahir Reid-Brown made his debut against Miami.
“They’re going to become much more accustomed to what first‑division competition is, emotional and important matches,” added Pareja.
“They did very well, and those of us who have been in the industry for many years have to carry the responsibility.”
Back in action Saturday pic.twitter.com/ndQvYKK46C
— Orlando City SC (@OrlandoCitySC) March 4, 2026
Meanwhile, after drawing with the LA Galaxy in their season opener, NYCFC defeated reigning Supporters Shield holders Philadelphia Union 2-1 last time out.
Tayvon Gray scored a 99th-minute winner from the penalty spot for NYCFC, seeing them become one of three teams in the East not to lose in their first two matches of the season.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
New York City FC – Tayvon Gray
Gray’s winner for NYCFC in the 99th minute last Sunday was the latest goal in the club’s history.
It was the 10th stoppage-time winner in NYCFC’s history, and Gray became the ninth different player to net one of them (Alonso Martinez – two).
Orlando City – Martin Ojeda
Following his impressive 2025 campaign, Ojeda got off the mark for Orlando this season in their defeat to Miami.
The Argentinian midfielder scored 16 goals and provided 15 assists in 34 MLS games last term, his best return since joining the club in 2023.
MATCH PREDICTION – NEW YORK CITY FC WIN
NYCFC (W1 D1) are unbeaten through their first two matches of a season for the first time since 2019. They have collected more than four points from their first three matches of a season just three times before, doing so in 2015 (five), 2018 (nine) and 2021 (six).
NYCFC have lost only two of their last 20 matches against Orlando (W10 D8), including going unbeaten in the last seven (W5 D2). Both of Orlando’s wins in that time came at home, as their last victory at NYCFC was in April 2017.
Orlando have lost their first two matches of a season for the first time in club history. The Lions have lost five straight matches dating back to the end of 2025, the club’s longest-ever losing streak in all competitions.
Their 4-2 loss to Miami marked the 18th consecutive regular-season game that Orlando both scored and conceded at least once, equalling the San Jose Clash (1997) for the longest such streak in MLS history.
OPTA WIN PROBABILITY
New York City FC – 52.6%
Draw – 24.2%
Orlando City – 23.2%
