Orlando City will aim to clinch an MLS Cup playoff berth on Saturday afternoon with a win against hosts Charlotte FC.
Orlando (12-13-7, 43 points) sits just four points ahead of 10th place. However, the Lions have gone on a five-game unbeaten streak (2-0-3), and with the summer addition of striker Antoine Griezmann (14 goals, eight assists), they look like one of the league’s most dangerous teams.
Despite starting the season with five losses in their first six games, Orlando City rode a hot streak and a blazing offense to the upper echelon of the Eastern Conference.
Orlando has conceded the second-most goals in MLS (74), only trailing last-place Sporting Kansas City. Interim coach Martin Perelman said that to secure a victory against Charlotte FC (14-10-8, 50 points), the squad needed to remember how far they’ve come.
“I think this group of players and this team have been fighting a lot,” Perelman said. “Now we are at the end, of course, fighting as well to secure that spot. It’s important to remember where we came from, how we started the season and where we are fighting now.”
Although the easiest way to a postseason spot is through beating Charlotte on Saturday, Orlando City could still clinch with a draw and several other results around the league breaking their way. However, their battle to avoid the wild-card places will come down to next Saturday’s matchup against the New England Revolution.
Martin Ojeda paces Orlando in goals (16), while striker Justin Ellis leads in assists (11).
Charlotte clinched a postseason spot with Wednesday’s 4-0 win over last-place CF Montreal. A win would help Charlotte compete with the Chicago Fire for home-field advantage entering the playoffs. Charlotte trails the fourth-place Fire by two points.
Charlotte coach Dean Smith said he expects Saturday’s game to be up-tempo and defined by the two teams’ skilled attacks.
“I think both teams are dangerous if it gets open,” Smith said. “We’ve got a front four that can go and score goals. They’ve got players that can go and score goals as well, so ideally for me I think we’re best when we stay compact and when we win the ball back then we can go and counter.”
Idan Toklomati (15 goals) and Pep Biel (13 goals) are active for Saturday’s match.
–Field Level Media
