Orlando City SC v FC Cincinnati: Consistency key for Noonan after away win

Pat Noonan lauded his FC Cinncinati side's consistency as they continued to put pressure on those at the top of the Eastern Conference with a win over CF Montreal in midweek. 

Following a four-game winless run, Cincinnati have now put together back-to-back victories, both away from home, leaving them four points behind leaders Philadelphia Union. 

Evander was the star of the show at Stade Saputo, notching two goals and the assist for Luca Orellano's 65th-minute strike to seal all three points at Stade Saputo. 

Noonan's side are preparing for another road game, visiting the Inter&Co Stadium to take on fellow high-flyers Orlando City SC in what promises to be an exciting encounter. 

And the Cincinnati head coach praised his team for their most recent display, further explaining the subtle changes he made during the most recent international break. 

"I think the difference is how after we got the lead, we didn't change how we were playing. Didn't sit off," Noonan said. 

"I thought our pressure was really strong tonight, led by that front group. Consistency in the play for 90 minutes and not deviating from what we were preparing because of a one goal lead…we defended in a really good way as well.

"Very pleased with certainly the attacking output and the chance creation. [We] scored some really nice goals and, I thought for the majority of the game, defended really well.

"You see with the right timing of how we move off the ball, understanding how to attack space, just being active in the right moment to allow us to move to goal. That part, I think was better tonight, and it can be even better."

Orellano's goal against Montreal was his first of the season, with Noonan glad to see the winger get off the mark.

"I think you can see everybody's reaction, including himself, just happy to see that first one go in,” Noonan said. So hopefully, that carries over into the weekend and moving forward. But it was a long time coming, and he deserves it.”

But they come up against an Orlando side also unbeaten in their last two league fixtures, with their latest result seeing them beat St. Louis City 4-2 away from home. 

The Lions find themselves fifth in the standings, three points behind second-placed Cincinnati. 

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Orlando City – Martin Ojeda

While not getting on the scoresheet against St. Louis, Ojeda remains Orlando's top scorer this season with nine goals in 18 MLS appearances so far this season. 

He also has five assists and is tied for the fifth most direct goal contributions in the league this season, while against St. Louis, he had team-high totals for touches (88), total passes (74) and accurate passes (66). 

FC Cincinnati – Kevin Denkey

Cincinnati have scored 29 goals from their 18 MLS games so far this season, with Denkey key to their impressive showings in the final third. 

He has 11 goals so far this term, including six match-opening goals, while also finding the back of the net in three of his last four league fixtures. 

MATCH PREDICTION – ORLANDO CITY WIN

At home this season, Orlando have five wins, two draws, and two losses in nine MLS contests.

In league matches away from home this season, Cincinnati have six wins, one draw, and four losses.

In their last six league matches, Orlando have won four and lost two. Cincinnati, meanwhile, have won two, drawn two and lost two in their last six.

Orlando won the last MLS meeting between the teams, triumphing 3-1 at TQL Stadium last season. Ramiro Enrique led the Lions with two goals, scoring in the 10th and 72nd minute.

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

Orlando City – 52.8%

Draw – 24.2%

FC Cincinnati – 23.1%