Los Angeles FC aims to increase their shutout streak when they face Orlando City on Saturday.
LAFC (4-0-1, 13 points) remains unbeaten and has not conceded a goal in five regular-season matches, with an 8-0 scoring advantage. They have set a new MLS record with 450 scoreless minutes since the start of the season.
Besides the MLS season, Los Angeles is also participating in the CONCACAF Champions League. Their busy schedule includes nine matches in just 33 days, with the continental tournament continuing on Tuesday when LAFC hosts Cruz Azul in the quarterfinals.
LAFC coach Marc Dos Santos shared that the team used the two-week international break to recover and prepare for upcoming games. He emphasized the importance of focusing on Orlando City and being ready for any unexpected challenges.
“Since Orlando struggled at the start of the season, we must stay alert and not let our guard down,” Dos Santos said. “We also made it clear to the players that they may change things during these two weeks.”
In contrast to LAFC’s solid start, Orlando (1-4-0, 3 points) has the league’s highest goal concession rate, allowing 17 goals in five matches.
Under interim head coach Martin Perelman, the Lions secured a 2-1 victory against CF Montreal on March 14 but lost 5-0 to Nashville SC on March 21.
Orlando midfielder Eduard Atuesta commented on the team’s changes, mentioning the coaching shift, injuries, and new players. “We know we have to keep working and trust the process and the positive aspects we have,” he said.
Atuesta is set to play after missing the last match due to a thigh injury. Orlando’s defenders Griffin Dorsey (lower back), Robin Jansson (foot surgery), and David Brekalo (leg) are uncertain for Saturday’s game.
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