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Galaxy-Orlando City Preview

Orlando City's inaugural season has taken a sharp downturn in recent weeks, but a matchup with the reigning MLS Cup champions offers the chance for a landmark victory.

Looking for the first home win in team history Sunday, Orlando City hosts a Los Angeles Galaxy team on the brink of its longest winless streak in three years.

Orlando City (2-5-3) opened its introductory campaign with a respectable 2-2-2 record through April 12 but has failed to win since. After ending a two-game losing streak with a 2-2 draw with New England, it fell again Wednesday with a 2-1 defeat at D.C. United.

"I don't think that we deserved not to take anything from the game. But, we can't keep killing ourselves," coach Adrian Heath told the club's official website. "We shoot ourselves in the foot every week. ... It takes experience at times, and tonight we let ourselves down again with people not doing their job."

A bright spot for Orlando City has been Cyle Larin, who has scored two of his club's last three goals and is tied with Kaka for the team lead with three. Larin's score against New England marked Orlando City's first MLS home goal since the team's debut March 8.

He could again find the net against the Galaxy (3-3-5), who have failed to win on the road in 12 tries (0-6-6) and are winless in their last four overall. A fifth consecutive unsuccessful contest Sunday would mark the franchise's longest winless streak since an eight-game skid April 28-May 29, 2012.

"We've got a team that hasn't won on the road and a team that hasn't won at home," Galaxy defender AJ DeLaGarza said. "Something's there. We need to take full advantage of this."

The Galaxy appeared primed to end their road woes last Saturday before ceding two late goals to FC Dallas in a 2-1 defeat.

Gyasi Zardes netted his second goal in the loss, but has failed to provide the same scoring threat he did last season when he scored 19 times.

Injuries have hampered Los Angeles as well. Reigning MVP Robbie Keane has been limited to only four matches with a groin strain and Jose Villarreal has not played in the last five because of a hamstring injury.

"Hopefully we can come out of it stronger and be better off for it," Omar Gonzalez told the Galaxy's official website. "We just have to keep on battling and figure out ways to keep improving with what we have. When the key (injured) players are ready, then we'll be that much better."

Los Angeles' thinned roster does little to diminish Orlando City's enthusiasm entering their marquee matchup, especially considering the possible return of striker Martin Paterson. The 27-year-old expects to make his Orlando City debut after being acquired on loan from Huddersfield Town in January.

"We're looking forward to the game this weekend," Heath said. "It's a great opportunity for our supporters to come and look at arguably the biggest club in MLS and certainly the most successful."

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