Our football match prediction:
Orlando City
Match Time & Date:
15/07/2018
01:00 GMT
Prediction: 1-2
Toronto FC
Orlando City and Toronto, the two teams who struggle in the 2018 MLS season, face each other at Orlando City Stadium this weekend. The Lions made a flying start to the season, but they are on a nine-game losing run in the league ahead of Sunday’s football match. Orlando City conceded 18 goals in previous five league fixtures, which is probably the main reason why home win should not be considered. Toronto continue life without injured star Jozy Altidore, who has been sorely missed in recent games. The title holders are on a five-game winless run in MLS at the moment, but the clash against Orlando could be the turning point for the Reds. As always, a man to watch in the away team will be Sebastian Giovinco, who has netted four goals so far this term. The time has come for the reigning champions to get back on course and they will not have a better chance than this to return to winning ways.
Highlighted Player (Justin Meram):
Over the years Justin Meram has established himself as one of the best Iraqi footballers. The centre forward, who is capable of playing as a winger as well, was born in Shelby Charter Township, Michigan on December 4, 1988, but he represents Iraq on the international stage. During his college career Justin Meram played for the likes of Yavapai Roughriders and Michigan Wolverines and in 2011 he joined MLS club Columbus Crew. Meram scored 37 goals in 188 appearances for the club in MLS before signing a deal with Orlando City in January, 2018. The Iraq international made his debut for the Lions in a 1-1 draw with DC United on March 4 and he scored his first goal for the club on May 14 in a 2-1 loss to Atlanta United. As for his international career, Justin Meram made his Iraq debut in November, 2014 in a 1-0 defeat to Kuwait. The Orlando City attacker wears the number 9 shirt.
Highlighted Team (Toronto FC):
Toronto are a club based in Canada, but they have been competing in Major League Soccer since 2007. Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment own both the soccer club and National Hockey League’s Toronto Maple Leafs. BMO Field is the club’s home ground and the capacity of the stadium is 30.000. The Canadian outfit impressed in the 2016 MLS Cup and they faced Seattle Sounders in the title game at BMO Field. However, the Canadians were more than unfortunate not to lift the silverware as they were beaten by the Sounders on penalties. Speaking of the Canadian Championship, Toronto FC won their fifth domestic title in 2016, with the team beating Vancouver Whitecaps in the final of the tournament. Montreal Impact are considered the club’s biggest rivals and there have always been fireworks in meetings between the two Canadian sides. Toronto FC’s home kit is red and it is no surprise they are nicknamed the Reds. It has to be noted that the club was founded back in 2005.
