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Orlando City SC‘s 2016 MLS Cup Playoff hopes are fading fast after the Lions could only produce a 0-0 draw away at Toronto FC last night.

What would usually be deemed a respectable result, Jason Kreis‘ men really needed a victory with Orlando City SC now five points off sixth-placed D.C. United (31 games played each).

With only THREE regular season fixtures remaining, City are effectively waiting for a capitulation from Montreal Impact (whom they face next), D.C. United and New England Revolution who have upped their game in recent weeks.

*#TORvORL Live Blog was conducted in Spain*

It’s all rather disappointing from a purple perspective although last night’s point at BMO Field was Orlando City SC‘s first in four fixtures.

A Sebastian Giovinco-less Toronto FC dominated the first half in Ontario but they lacked their usual drive and determination with Jozy Altidore looking off the pace all evening for Greg Vanney’s side.

The major news heading into the game was the fact Jason Kreis opted for his preferred diamond formation for the first time with Servando Carrasco the only defensive-minded midfielder selected in a bold statement.

In reality, it just didn’t work out with Orlando City SC gifting TFC too much space in the first-half despite José Aja and David Mateos showing some improvement.

With City having stayed resilient into the second-half following the 40th minute introduction of Cristian Higuita, it did look as if the Lions could actually pinch the game late on.

Referee Alan Kelly made a controversial call when handing a second yellow and red card to Tosaint Ricketts for alleged dangerous play when attempting an overhead kick while making next to no contact with José Aja on 70 minutes.

But in the end, Orlando City SC just couldn’t take advantage of playing with eleven versus ten for 20 minutes in a spell in which Kaká looked like the only player with real urgency in an underwhelming finish.

*#TORvORL Live Blog was conducted in Spain*

With Montreal Impact up next at Camping World Stadium on Sunday, Orlando City SC must simply win while hoping results go their way elsewhere to keep any slim playoff hopes alive.

Toronto FC 0 Orlando City SC 0 – Highlights – September 28, 2016 (Credit: Toronto FC)

Toronto FC vs Orlando City SC, 28.09.2016
BMO Field, Toronto, Ontario
Major League Soccer
Gameweek 30

Joe Bendik | 7/10
Kevin Alston | 7/10
José Aja | 7/10
David Mateos | 7/10
Luke Boden | 7/10
Servando Carrasco | 6/10
Kevin Molino | 5/10
Kaká | 8/10
Brek Shea | 5/10
Cyle Larin | 5/10
Carlos Rivas | 6/10

SUBS

Cristian Higuita | 7/10
Matías Pérez García | 5/10
Julio Baptista | 4/10