ORLANDO — Orlando City SC opens its 2026 Leagues Cup campaign tonight against Mexican club C.F. Monterrey at Inter.co Stadium, with three returning players available for the first time this season — including forward Daryl Dike and Croatian international Marco Pašalić.
Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. ET. Dike, in his second stint with Orlando, makes the bench for the first time since rejoining the club. Pašalić is available for the first time since representing Croatia in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Midfielder Joran Gerbet, who has been recovering from a torn ACL in his left knee, returns to the squad for the first time since October of last year.
Head coach Oscar Pareja made three changes to the starting group from the Lions’ last match in New Jersey. Bernardo Rhein, Luís Otávio and Tyrese Spicer earned starting nods, while Adrián Marín and Tiago dropped to the bench. Midfielder Braian Ojeda misses out entirely.
The starting XI features goalkeeper Maxime Crépeau behind a back line that includes Griffin Dorsey, David Brekalo and captain Robin Jansson. Eduard Atuesta anchors the midfield alongside Luís Otávio and Bernardo Rhein, with Iván Angulo, Tyrese Spicer and Antoine Griezmann supporting forward Justin Ellis.
The bench carries 12 players: Javier Otero, Tristan Himes, Gustavo Caraballo, Wilder Cartagena, Daryl Dike, Joran Gerbet, Iago, Adrián Marín, Marco Pašalić, Harvey Sarajian, Zakaria Taifi and Tiago.
The depth of available substitutes gives Orlando City significant flexibility in a tournament that pits MLS clubs against Liga MX opposition. The return of Dike, Gerbet and Pašalić adds experienced options at forward and midfield as the Lions look to advance through the Leagues Cup group stage.