Orlando City Game Preview: FC Cincinnati

Prediction

Orlando and Cincinnati were both put to the test in close wins on opening day. A few inches here or there and these teams are both winless heading into Saturday's matchup.

Last year, Cincinnati came down to Orlando early in the season and pulled the upset. That win started Cincy's upward trajectory in MLS and announced this group as a real threat in the Eastern Conference. There will be no upset this time around.

This is a true heavyweight fight in the Eastern Conference between a pair of real trophy contenders. Cincinnati plays a high-pressing style like the Red Bulls, but the Knifey Lions are a lot less stable defensively than the boys in Harrison, New Jersey.

Because of that, there should be space for Orlando's attackers to actually get out in space and put Cincinnati's backline under attack. The Dynamo --- projected to be one of the worst teams in the league --- played through Cincy's press many times and created a lot of quality chances.

While Cincinnati will give up opportunities, the Knifey Lions score goals as well as anybody in MLS. Orlando gave up chances last week, but the Red Bulls lacked the quality to convert. That won't be the case for Cincy.

Given everything I've said, I think this will be a high-energy close game. Both teams are looking to build early form and stack points for a Supporters' Shield challenge, but I think they share the points Saturday.

Score Prediction: 2-2 Draw
Goals: Luciano Acosta, Brandon Vazquez (Cincinnati); Ercan Kara x 2 (Orlando)

Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Saturday at Exploria Stadium. The game will also be streamed on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV. The Lions' game will be behind the paywall this week.