Orlando, FL - The 2025 MLS regular season is officially set to kick off on Saturday, February 22, with Orlando City SC hosting the Philadelphia Union at Inter&Co Stadium, beginning at 7:30 PM ET. Both teams are eager to start the season on the right foot, with the Lions pursuing their historical home field advantage against their Eastern Conference rivals.
For Orlando City, the season opener carries much anticipation. The club finished fourth last year and reached the Eastern Conference final, yet numerous off-season changes have left fans questioning their ability to replicate such success. Major personnel changes include the departure of their all-time leading scorer, Facundo Torres, who has taken his talents to Palmeiras, and the loss of midfielder Wilder Cartagena, sidelined for the season with an Achilles injury. These absences have sparked concerns about continuity on the field.
Head Coach Oscar Pareja has brought in new blood, including Designated Players Eduard Atuesta and Marco Pašalić, who will make their debut for the Lions. “It’s time for us to compete again, and we will be ready,” said Pareja as the team looks to bolster their attacking threat. Noteworthy, Orlando has never lost their opening match at home throughout their 11-year existence within Major League Soccer, boasting three wins and seven draws across these encounters.
Conversely, the Philadelphia Union enters the match with their own set of challenges. After experiencing tumultuous results, which saw them finish 12th last season, they are now under new management with Bradley Carnell taking over the head coaching role. Carnell’s arrival signals a shift to more aggressive tactics, potentially utilizing the high-press style favored by teams like the Red Bulls. Recruitment efforts have resulted in international signings, including the record commitment for forward Bruno Damiani, who will unfortunately miss the opener due to injury.
The Union have opted for strategic changes, shedding players like Jack Elliott and showcasing their new identity on the pitch. Despite struggling during the pre-season, having incurred five successive losses culminating with their latest defeat to Aarhus GF, the Union hope to turn the tide against Orlando, especially following their two losses to the Lions last year.
Standout statistics may favor Orlando; they possess a competitive edge from previous meetings, winning three of their last five clashes. The Lions also feature key players who are expected to step up, such as Martin Ojeda, who contributed significantly throughout last season, amassing five goals and nine assists.
The current injury report shows the Lions will be without players Duncan McGuire and Favian Loyola, adding to their need for effective substitutions from the bench. The Lions will rely heavily on forward Ramiro Enrique to lead the attack, having made nine goals during his previous season.
Notably, both clubs have encountered mixed results during their offseason attempts to key improvements on the field. The prevailing thought is how well Orlando City’s heightened lineup can adapt with added players and whether Philadelphia can stabilize under Carnell’s leadership. Each side bears the pressure of their supporters to initiate the season positively, resulting in what promises to be hard-fought and exhilarating competition.
With live coverage available through MLS Season Pass on Apple TV, eyes will be on Orlando City to see if they can maintain their impeccable home-opening record. The two teams’ tactics, readiness, and injury management may very well dictate the result of this important opening match of the season.