Orlando City vs. Red Bull New York Lineups, Predictions, Preview

Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

Orlando City vs. Red Bull New York Lineups, Predictions, Preview

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Sean Hartnett | Last updated Feb 21, 2026 2:30 PM ET

Both Orlando City SC and Red Bull New York spent the offseason meticulously altering their rosters ahead of the new 2026 MLS season.

We'll soon learn which club made the shrewdest acquisitions as the Eastern Conference foes will unleash their revamped squads in Saturday's season-opening match at Orlando's Inter&Co Stadium.

Red Bull New York completed a slew of new signings after the club missed the postseason for the first time in 15 years. Pacey wingers Jorge Ruvalcaba and Cade Cowell, first-choice goalkeeper Ethan Horvath and experienced defender Robert Voloder are among the recruits brought in by Red Bulls head of sport Julian de Guzman.

It will be up to first-year head coach Michael Bradley to get all the new pieces to work together harmoniously for New York to return to the MLS Cup playoffs.

Orlando City also made key signings ahead of their new campaign. Canadian international goalkeeper Maxime Crépeau, midfielder Braian Ojeda and defender Iago Teodoroare are among Orlando's most notable additions.

Head coach Óscar Pareja will be looking to guide Orlando to a seventh straight playoff appearance. The Lions have reached the MLS Cup playoffs in each of Pareja's previous six seasons in charge.

Where to Watch Orlando City vs. Red Bull New York

Saturday’s match between Orlando City and Red Bull New York will kick off at 7:30 p.m. ET in the United States.

The match will be broadcast on Apple TV.

Orlando City SC forward Duncan McGuire in the second half against the Colorado Rapids at Inter&Co Stadium. Russell Lansford-Imagn ImagesRussell Lansford-Imagn Images

Predicted Lineups for Orlando City and New York

Orlando City SC Predicted Starting XI:

Goalkeeper: Crépeau
Defenders: Angulo, Iago, Brekalo, Marin
Midfielders: B. Ojeda, Atuesta, Pasalic, M. Ojeda, Spicer
Forward: McGuire

Red Bull New York Predicted Starting XI:

Goalkeeper: Horvath
Defenders: Che, Nealis, Voloder, Valencia
Midfielders: Forsberg, Berggren, Donkor
Forwards: Ruvalcaba, Choupo-Moting, Cowell

Match Prediction: Red Bulls 2-1 Orlando City

The Red Bulls have pushed forward with youth at the forefront of their roster building, and the backline appears to be a work in progress. That could make New York vulnerable when under pressure from Orlando attacks.

If New York's new-look lineup gels, the star power of Emil Forsberg and Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting combined with the threat posed by speedy wings Ruvalcaba and Cowell should be enough to earn the Red Bulls a hard-fought road victory in the Sunshine State.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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