Had you told Adrian Heath that Orlando City (2-3-5, 9 Points) still wouldn't have its first home win in the middle of May, he probably would have told you that you were crazy. The Lions will take yet another stab at it on Sunday on a short week of preparation against the LA Galaxy (3-5-3, 14 Points).
ODDS ANALYSIS
Orlando City is going to end up being favored in this match, but we're still not all that certain that it is warranted for it to be so. The team still only has two wins in its short life in the MLS, and there are times when it really looks like it is overmatched on the pitch.
Plain and simple, the teams in the Western Conference are just flat out better than the teams in the East, and the early domination in the cross-conference matches showcase just that.
KEY INJURIES
The Galaxy are very likely still going to be without Robbie Keane and Edson Buddle in this match, which is going to put a major damper in their chances of putting too much together on the offensive end of the pitch. Jose Villarreal, who has been in and out of the lineup, is going to be available for selection on Sunday in Bruce Arena's midfield.
Tally Hall is getting closer to returning to the pitch for Orlando City, but he's still going to be out for this match and at least a few more. The Lions are no worse for wear from their match against D.C. United in the middle of the week, but they are still without Pedro Ribeiro, Kevin Molino, Martin Paterson, Lewis Neal and Tony Cascio, really cutting down on their depth.
QUOTE TO NOTE
"It's frustrating knowing that you could have probably made a play or having a deeper squad with you. But it's a long season, and we're looking to get back on track." – LA midfielder Jose Villarreal on his potential return to the pitch on Sunday
RECENT FORM
Orlando City took a 1-0 lead against D.C. United in the first half, but as has been the case for the Lions this year, they fell apart in the second half to get beaten once again. That now marks four matches with just one point for OCSC.
The Galaxy as well, haven't won a fixture since the middle of April, going 0-3-1 in their last four matches. Their string of three straight draws was stopped by a 2-1 loss to FC Dallas last weekend, a result which also ended a five-match streak with at least a positive result.
TALKING TOTALS
The Lions are giving up far too many goals right now. They have conceded nine in their last four games, and three of those four have easily eclipsed the total.
LA had kept three straight matches under the total before losing 2-1 in Dallas. The club has only had one game this year get beyond three goals, a 2-2 draw in Portland.
ANALYSIS AND PREDICTION
We're a little worried about the lack of attacking prowess for the Galaxy in this match, but this is still the Orlando City defense we're talking about.
The Lions are continually being tested with their depth, and in the second halves of games, they just haven't had enough to keep the ball out of the back of their own net. There are just too many mistakes right now, and the defending MLS Cup champs should take advantage for a big road win against a tired OCSC team on Sunday.
LA Galaxy 2, Orlando City 0
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Load your betting bankroll from your smartphone or tablet with BookMaker’s new cashier feature! Depositing and withdrawing funds from your account has never been easier. BookMaker's live betting platform means you always have access to odds and lines to every sporting event. Click here and start wagering today! The fixture between Orlando City and the LA Galaxy will take place on Sunday, May 17, 2015, at 5:00 p.m. at the Florida Citrus Bowl in Orlando, FL. The game will be broadcast live on ESPN2.
