Coach Adrian Heath says former Huddersfield Town striker Martin Paterson is “getting closer” to a competitive debut for Orlando City.

The Northern Ireland international has yet to figure in Major League Soccer after damaging a hamstring during pre-season.

Heath’s seventh-placed side, who drew 2-2 at home to Eastern Conference leaders New England Revolution on Friday, visit DC United on Wednesday.

Then comes a big game against LA Galaxy at the Orlando Citrus Bowl on Sunday.

Orlando, in their first season at the top level of the US game, have won two of their nine games to date.

Paterson, 27, joined Orlando in January.

Signed from Burnley in 2013, the Stoke-born player struggled to make himself a regular at Town.

He made only 17 starts and 12 further appearances as a substitute, scoring six goals.

Paterson finished last season on loan to Bristol City.

He played just three times for Town this season, all from the bench.

And a November loan to Fleetwood Town ended early because of injury.

Two goals from Bradley Wright-Phillips helped New York Red Bulls win their first MLS clash with New York City 2-1.

The former Charlton Athletic striker struck in the fourth and 52nd minutes, sandwiching Matt Miazga’s sending off for the Red Bulls. Substitute Patrick Mullins responded for City.