To wrap up the MLS regular season, Orlando City SC faces a charging Atlanta team on October 19, with United FC trying desperately to keep their playoff hopes alive. Atlanta needs a big win and a series of other perfect-storm results to guarantee a spot in the MLS postseason starting October 23, with the MLS Cup presented by Audi scheduled for December 7, 2024.
The Georgia franchise floats in a universe of infinite possibilities, according to Chuck Wharton for otowns11.com. In the meantime, Orlando has already clinched a playoff spot while they look to maintain their recent mental edge, so critical in pro sports and in particular the cutthroat postseason.
What Atlanta Needs To Sneak Into MLS Playoffs
First of all, Atlanta’s perfect postseason storm depends on their ambitious plan to win in Orlando (which has won six of their last seven and is peaking nicely after a solid 3-1 away win against rivals FC Cincinnati). A mind-boggling array of other results has to happen for Atlanta, besides simply beating Orlando City SC. United needs two of the following three MLS results to help:
- CF Montreal needs to fall at home vs. New York City FC
- DC United needs to choke at home vs. Charlotte
- Philadelphia Union needs to tie or lose at home vs. FC Cincinnati
There’s sure to be lots of scoreboard watching (and nail-biting) ahead for the Atlanta team and their fans. On the other hand, Orlando City SC appears to be riding an unstoppable wave heading for the playoffs, but finishing behind the likes of Inter Miami and Messi, the Columbus Crew, and Cinci in the East means they’ll most likely depend on road results if they´re to get close to the MLS Cup, named after Philip F. Anschutz, as an early Christmas present.
Have No Fear: Orlando City SC Is Here
“We know we can win on the road. I think it’s important: we might have to go on the road to face some teams, and we’re definitely confident that we can win on the road. So, we aren’t afraid of anybody, afraid to go anywhere, and we’re confident,” exclaimed Orlando Defender Kyle Smith, sounding like a typical fearless lion after assisting on all three goals against Cincinnati (in his hometown no less).
One obvious reason for Orlando City SC’s confidence and enthusiasm at the moment is the way they’re routinely filling opponent nets. With the hat trick versus Cincinnati, the Lions have racked up 58 goals this season, which betters both 2016 and 2023 when they settled for 55.
Keep Those Goals Coming Guys
Individual goal totals have increased across the board in 2024. To date, Uruguayan Facundo Torres has notched a career-high 18, Nebraskan Duncan McGuire has fired in 11, and Argentinian Ramiro Enrique has contributed with 11 of his own in all competitions. This is the first time in Orlando City SC history—including the USL Pro era—when three players have scored double-digit goals in a single year. In addition, it’s the first time in club history Orlando has had multiple double-digit goal scorers in three consecutive years, according to Sean Rollins for The Mane Land.
Orlando City SC foes can’t just clamp down on one or two strikers anymore.
“I think we’ve understood we’re trying to be better in that regard. How can we increase the production of goals and be more lethal in front of the goal? We know that the team who has the production has the chance to win the league. We’ve been working a lot, and the players have improved. Now it’s just trying to keep that level. But we’re proud,” enthused Orlando head honcho Óscar Pareja.”
Go ahead, Orlando City SC: Open the floodgates, because the MLS Playoffs are almost upon us.
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