Columbus Crew SC heads down to Orlando this week to face the Lions for the second regular-season meeting between the two clubs. Before the 7:30 kickoff on Saturday night in the Sunshine State, here are three things to know about Orlando:
Ballin’ Bendik
Orlando goalkeeper Joe Bendik has been on fire in recent weeks. Bendik is currently ranked second in the League for shots saved with 101 saves, as well as notching three clean sheets for the Lions in 2016. It is no doubt that the Black & Gold will have to be at their best to get the ball past Bendik.
Goal-scoring guys
The Lions lineup is stacked when it comes to guys finding the back of the net. The first of three very dominant Orlando players the Black & Gold will have to maintain is leading scorer Cyle Larin, who currently has 13 goals and is ranked 8th in MLS in goals. Larin is followed behind Kevin Molino — who has notched 10 goals this season — and no one can’t forget about Kaka, who recorded a brace last Wednesday when the Lions defeated Montreal 4-1 on the road in impressive fashion.
Last Meeting
The last time Crew SC and Orlando met was back on May 30 when the Lions traveled to MAPFRE Stadium. The Lions came back after trailing 2-0 after the first 45 minutes. Thanks to goals by both Molino and Larin late in the second half, Orlando escaped Columbus with a point in the 2-2 draw. All-time, Orlando and Columbus have only faced four times with each team having the same track record of 1-1-2.
