It’s that time of year again, folks! Buckle up for a bumpy ride because the 2024 MLS Cup Playoffs are here, and Orlando City SC are gearing up for what we all hope is ultimate 2024 MLS Cup glory! Could this finally be our year? By appearing in the 2024 MLS Cup playoffs as fourth seed in the East, Orlando City SC are one of just three active MLS teams to reach the post-season in five consecutive seasons – an impressive feat achieved every single year under Oscar Pareja’s leadership. Things were all looking rosy prior to October’s FIFA international break. However, Papi’s men enter the playoffs with a seed of doubt in their minds following a disappointing 1-2 loss to Atlanta United at Inter&Co Stadium on 2024 MLS Decision Day.
I know what you’re thinking. It was only our third defeat in 14 MLS matches, with New York City FC’s 2-0 defeat at CF Montréal securing us fourth place and home field advantage anyway. But I couldn’t help feeling frustrated. We missed a chance to end the regular season on a high note, failing to eliminate our fierce rivals on our home turf, despite referee Rubiel Vazquez’s harsh intervention, but we’ll get to that later. Maybe I’m overreacting, but I believe it was a missed opportunity to solidify a battle-ready mindset for the post-season.
Now the playoffs are here, it’s time to puff out our chests and forget last weekend. In this year’s Round One Best-of-3 Series, Orlando City SC will face Charlotte FC and not New York City FC who we all expected. In truth, avoiding a game at Yankee Stadium or Citi Field is probably a blessing! Reflecting on the 2024 MLS regular season, Orlando City SC scored 59 goals, breaking our club record (55 in 2023 and 2016) for the most goals in a single season. We’re also unbeaten against Charlotte FC this year, drawing 2-2 at Bank of America Stadium on June 19 before defeating The Crown 2-0 at Inter&Co Stadium on September 18. Having only ever lost once to the Mint City side (2-0-1) in Central Florida, our home advantage will make us favourites to progress, but make no mistake – Charlotte FC are no mugs.
Going 14-9-11 in Dean Smith’s inaugural season as Charlotte FC head coach, The Crown ended upon on 51 points in the Eastern Conference, just one point behind Orlando City SC (52). Finishing the MLS regular season with three straight victories, Charlotte FC will be feeling mighty confident. However, having only contested just one MLS Wild Card match (2023) before, game one will be Charlotte FC’s first playoff game proper. Sure, Orlando City SC have the most wins (10) and most points (31) in MLS since July 1, making us Major League Soccer’s most in-form team heading into the 2024 MLS Cup Playoffs. But we all know about the elephant in the room!
Rash decisions, hot-headedness, and allowing our emotions to get the better of us in the playoffs when it’s previously mattered most. Believe me; I’m still haunted by Mauricio Pereyra’s 2020 red card against New England Revolution and Rodrigo Schlegel’s 2023 red card against Columbus Crew, and not just because it’s almost Halloween! Orlando City SC really need to prove they’ve truly learned from these past mistakes. Ultimately, Orlando City SC supporters will not tolerate overly reckless or kamikaze performances, both individually and collectively, this time around. It’s time to show we’re #AllTeeth, and deliver that elusive MLS Cup that our city demands and craves. Let’s do this thing. Vamos Orlando!
Last time out
On October 19, Orlando City SC fell 1-2 to rivals Atlanta United at a sold-out Inter&Co Stadium, suffering just our third defeat in 14 MLS matches.
Heading into 2024 MLS Decision Day in fourth place, with a coveted top four seed for the 2024 MLS Cup Playoffs at stake, the Lions were looking to finish the regular season on a high note.
Knowing that New York City could still leapfrog us into fourth place, we needed to hold our nerve.
However, to recycle an overused Orlando pun, the first-half proved to be a rollercoaster of emotions.
On the night, Oscar Pareja made three changes to his lineup, bringing in Dagur Dan Thórhallsson (returning from injury), Felipe Martins, and Martín Ojeda to replace Kyle Smith, Wilder Cartagena (suspended), and Luis Muriel.
The Lions began brightly, displaying early intent when Dagur Dan Thórhallsson found César Araújo on the edge of the box.
On 5 minutes, the Uruguayan’s stinging strike forced 40-year-old Brad Guzan into a sharp save, setting the tone in the opening exchanges.
Despite this promising start, Orlando City SC fell behind just minutes later.
On 7 minutes, Saba Lobjanidze played a neat one-two with Pedro Amador on the edge of City’s box, weaving his way through the Lions’ defence far too easily.
From here, the dangerous Georgian forward calmly curled a right-footed shot inside Pedro Gallese’s far post.
After a brief VAR check from referee Rubiel Vazquez, the goal stood (0-1).
Trying to regroup, Orlando City SC nearly equalised on 11 minutes when Martín Ojeda’s long-range effort rippled the side netting, drawing gasps from the home crowd who initially thought it had snuck in.
But our tension quickly turned to frustration when The Five Stripes grabbed another goal just five minutes later.
A dangerous corner by Alexey Miranchuk saw Pedro Gallese initially make a quick reflex save.
But Felipe Martins’ rebound cruelly fell to Jamal Thiaré, who prodded home to double Atlanta United’s lead (0-2).
With the goal given after another VAR check, it was a nightmarish start for the Lions who were left feeling shell-shocked!
Fortunately, good news filtered through from Quebec, as CF Montréal took a 1-0 lead over New York City FC on 18 minutes, courtesy of the in-form Caden Clark.
This result kept Orlando City SC in fourth place, despite our disappointing two-goal deficit against The Five Stripes.
Back in our match, it was incredibly frustrating to watch Orlando City SC make a very poor Atlanta United side look half decent, struggling to handle even basic attacks in the first-half.
On 31 minutes, Robin Jansson’s raking pass forward offered some relief, but Ramiro Enrique’s shoulder barge on Stian Gregersen typified the Lions’ growing frustration with fouls like this disrupting our flow.
The Lions did, however, show flashes of promise as the half wore on.
On 39 minutes, Martín Ojeda took on a direct free-kick, but Tincho’s effort drifted just wide of Brad Guzan’s left-hand post.
Finally, just when Orlando City SC desperately needed a lifeline, it arrived on 42 minutes.
Raiding down the right to the byline, Dagur Dan Thórhallsson’s overhit cross flew across the entire Atlanta United penalty area, finding fellow full back Rafael Santos on the opposite wing.
Fortunately, the Brazilian’s pinpoint delivery found Martín Ojeda who deftly headed home a timely reply for the Lions (1-2).
Ojeda’s glancing header breathed new life into the team and the Inter&Co Stadium crowd, giving Orlando City SC huge momentum right before half-time.
During first-half stoppage time, Orlando City SC continued to press, and it felt like the Lions had finally woken up from their frustrating slumber.
Why we sleepwalked through the early stages against a fierce rival, I’ll never know!
In stoppage time at Inter&Co Stadium, more good news came through from Quebec as CF Montréal fortunately doubled their lead.
Longtime nemesis of Orlando City SC, Josef Martínez struck on 45+1 minutes to make it 2-0 over our top four rivals New York City FC, finally doing the Lions a favour after many years haunting City.
About time you helped us out for once, Josef!
Although trailing 1-2 at the break, Orlando City SC entered the locker room with hope.
Our strong finish to the first-half and New York City FC’s failings elsewhere suggested that this match, and that coveted fourth place, were still very much within our reach.
But unfortunately, City found themselves under pressure immediately after the restart.
Barely a minute into the second-half, Dagur Dan Thórhallsson clumsily brought down Saba Lobjanidze in the box, with Rubiel Vazquez awarding Atlanta United a penalty.
The Inter&Co Stadium faithful groaned in frustration, knowing that a two-goal Atlanta United lead might prove unassailable.
However, Pedro Gallese produced a moment of magic, saving Alexey Miranchuk’s penalty with a fantastic right-handed stop.
His third regulation time penalty save across all competitions this season, El Pulpo stood tall once again, showcasing why he’s still one of the best shot-stoppers in Major League Soccer.
Gallese has certainly been back to his best after the 2024 Copa América, following an uncharacteristically poor start to the year.
This save was absolutely vital and kept Orlando City SC within striking distance of pegging back The Five Stripes.
From here, Oscar Pareja responded swiftly with tactical adjustments.
On 52 minutes, Papi brought on Kyle Smith to partner César Araújo in central midfield, replacing Felipe Martins, who really struggled filling in for the suspended Wilder Cartagena.
Despite having more natural central midfield options on the bench, Pareja chose his dependable ‘soldier’ Smith, who adapted well to the role he has played at times this season.
Despite this reshuffle, Atlanta United continued to apply pressure, forcing Oscar Pareja to introduce fresh attacking options.
On 68 minutes, Duncan McGuire and Luis Muriel entered the fray, replacing Ramiro Enrique and Martín Ojeda.
McGuire’s introduction immediately gave City more presence up top, though Atlanta United’s defence remained resolute.
Just moments later, a lofted pass over Atlanta United’s backline found Duncan McGuire bearing down on goal.
But Stian Gregersen’s last-ditch interception denied what could have been a glorious equaliser.
From here, Orlando City SC’s momentum continued to build.
On 72 minutes, Luis Muriel cut the ball back across Atlanta United’s penalty area, finding Rafael Santos on the edge of the box.
But the Brazilian’s powerful strike agonisingly flew inches over Brad Guzan’s crossbar – a chance that left Inter&Co Stadium holding its breath.
With time ticking down, Oscar Pareja shuffled the pack again on 80 minutes, replacing Dagur Dan Thórhallsson with Nicolás Lodeiro.
This saw Kyle Smith return to his more familiar right back position.
However, some City supporters questioned Oscar Pareja’s initial decision to substitute Smith in for Felipe Martins, especially with Nicolás Lodeiro, Jeorgio Kocevski, and Heine Gikling Bruseth all being available.
Just before Lodeiro’s entrance, Winter Park native Dax McCarty entered the game for Atlanta United too.
Subbed on for Brooks Lennon, the MLS cult hero thought he might be playing his last-ever match before retirement – ironically in his hometown – after a distinguished 18-year career.
Then, right before second-half stoppage time, Orlando City SC appeared to have scored a dramatic equaliser through Duncan McGuire.
On 89 minutes, McGuire poked the ball home in a crowded Atlanta United penalty area, bringing Atlanta players to their knees and seemingly knocking them out of playoff contention as well.
However, the joy of effectively eliminating our fierce rivals was cruelly snatched away.
In a highly suspect decision, one that I believe was incredibly harsh, referee Rubiel Vazquez controversially ruled that Duncan McGuire committed a handball before scoring, following VAR review.
A furious reaction followed, especially since replays showed McGuire’s left arm tucked tightly by his side before he scored.
Don’t get me wrong; I understand the current rules.
Even if a handball is accidental and you haven’t made yourself bigger or handled the ball on purpose, if it touches your arm and you score right after, it will still be called a handball.
THIS angle, in particular, really highlights how minimal the contact was with Duncan McGuire’s arm.
Since the game, I’ve watched the replays over and over, and my Orlando City SC bias aside, I find it ridiculous that we’re striking off goals for accidental handballs like these.
If you ask me, the current ‘letter of the law’ needs changing!
On the same evening, New England Revolution’s Bobby Wood was denied a 3-3 equaliser at Inter Miami due to a handball call every bit as harsh as McGuire’s.
For me, most telling of all is the fact that not a single Atlanta United player raised their arms to cry ‘handball’ when Duncan McGuire’s shot rippled Brad Guzan’s net.
It was an enraging decision, especially given that it was anything but a ‘clear and obvious’ on-field error.
As my good friend David Manock tweeted: “If the bar set is clear and obvious, this is a ridiculous decision. VAR is not there to re-referee the game.”
As well, Tom Bogert agreed that it was a bad night for PRO Referees, tweeting: “Too much VAR tonight. Too many on-field decisions overturned on things FAR below the clear and obvious threshold. Less stoppages for thing that aren’t obvious errors, I beg of you.”
This moment, along with favourable results elsewhere, allowed Atlanta United to somehow qualify for the 2024 MLS Cup Playoffs in the final MLS Wild Card match slot (ninth place) with 40 points.
They only secured this position by jammily overcoming tenth-placed D.C. United, also with 40 points, based on the second regular season tiebreaker of goal differential.
Despite Atlanta United entering 2024 MLS Decision Day with the slimmest of hopes, needing a win against Orlando City SC (1-2), as well as D.C. United to lose to Charlotte FC (0-3) and Philadelphia Union to fall to FC Cincinnati (1-2), all of these results unfortunately came to pass!
With commentators Devon Kerr and Nate Bukaty deeming McGuire’s disallowed goal harsh on their Apple TV commentary, Atlanta United were granted an absolutely HUGE slice of luck to punch their post-season ticket.
Sure, extra minutes were added on in second-half stoppage time following Rubiel Vazquez’s timely VAR review.
But Orlando City SC couldn’t recover, and Atlanta United, led by City’s USL club legend Rob Valentino, celebrated their playoff qualification on our home field.
It was an unwelcome sight and not at all the night me and many others envisaged following the recent international break.
While I don’t want to make too many excuses, we noted in our last preview that the recent FIFA break was untimely, disrupting our players’ rhythm after they had built up such strong momentum.
Given that this is the worst Atlanta United roster in some time, the fact they achieved a regular season sweep over Orlando City SC is downright embarrassing.
Ultimately, we failed to defeat any of our fierce rivals in our four rivalry fixtures this regular season – Inter Miami (5-0, 0-0) and Atlanta United (2-0, 1-2) – which is disappointing, leaving us with no regional bragging rights.
And on Tuesday night, Atlanta United qualified for the 2024 MLS Cup Playoffs proper after defeating CF Montréal 2-2 (4-5 on penalties) at Stade Saputo.
In the end, Englishman Tom Pearce’s penalty miss unfortunately proved decisive in the Eastern Conference MLS Wild Card match.
Atlanta United advanced despite their club legend Josef Martínez scoring a brace, which helped CF Montréal come back from a 0-2 first-half deficit.
This result is worrying because the playoff bracket dictates that the Lions will face Florida rivals Inter Miami or Georgia rivals Atlanta United at the Eastern Conference Semi-Final stage – if we get past Charlotte FC, of course.
But let’s not get ahead of ourselves.
I don’t want to get too downhearted, especially since our 2024 MLS Decision Day defeat didn’t ultimately matter, with New York City FC’s 2-0 loss to CF Montréal securing us fourth place – and home advantage in the playoffs – regardless.
However, allowing any satisfaction to Atlanta United when we could have denied them that joy, all while ending our run of three straight MLS victories, left me feeling quite frustrated.
Speaking after our 1-2 defeat to Atlanta United, Oscar Pareja admitted: I thought we had some things today that is not allowed in the playoffs.”
And he’s right because if we come out against Charlotte FC as lethargic and distracted as we did against The Five Stripes, we’ll get punished – plain and simple.
Ultimately, City must now quickly refocus and channel the frustrations of 2024 MLS Decision Day into a much stronger performance in Round One (game one) of the 2024 MLS Cup Playoffs.
Last head-to-head
Back on September 18, Orlando City SC secured a crucial 2-0 victory over Charlotte FC at Inter&Co Stadium, continuing our impressive form with a third consecutive clean sheet.
This crucial win lifted the Lions into fourth place in the Eastern Conference, capping off a perfect three-game streak without conceding a single goal.
In snapping a four-match winless streak against Charlotte FC, Orlando City SC extended their hopes of sealing a top four position and home field advantage in the Round One Best-of-3 Series of the 2024 MLS Cup Playoffs.
With Oscar Pareja opting for an unchanged starting lineup following our 3-0 victory over New England Revolution, there was a first-ever matchday squad appearance for Heine Gikling Bruseth who was an unused substitute on the night.
Early on, Orlando City SC applied pressure from set pieces.
On 4 minutes, a corner kick led to a recycled chance for Wilder Cartagena inside the box.
But the Peruvian’s powerful shot was straight at Charlotte FC goalkeeper Kristijan Kahlina, who parried the effort away.
This would be the Lions’ only shot on target in the first-half as Charlotte FC sat deep, content to disrupt the flow of Orlando City SC’s attacking play.
While Orlando City SC held the lion’s share of possession, Charlotte FC aimed to capitalise on City’s mistakes.
Two uncharacteristic giveaways from Robin Jansson created danger but fortunately, Pedro Gallese wasn’t tested.
Meanwhile, Orlando City SC struggled to make the final connection in attack.
On 11 minutes, Martín Ojeda’s cross found no one and on 19 minutes, Facundo Torres headed over the bar after a fine cross from Rafael Santos.
Charlotte FC’s best opportunity of the first-half came from a Robin Jansson turnover on 30 minutes.
Returning from injury, Patrick Agyemang got a shot off but it was aimed straight at Pedro Gallese.
Tim Ream also headed wide from a set-piece delivery just before half-time, with neither team able to break the deadlock.
Orlando City SC went into the break leading possession (64% to 36%), shots (6 to 3), and corners (4 to 0), yet Dean Smith’s defensive strategy seemed to be paying off for Charlotte FC.
But after the restart, we didn’t have to wait too long to score!
On 52 minutes, Iván Angulo found Martín Ojeda on the left side of the box and the Argentine whipped a pin-point cross to the far post.
Facundo Torres met it first-time, gloriously burying the ball past Kristijan Kahlina for his 12th goal of this MLS regular season (1-0).
This strike took Facu to within one goal of tying Cyle Larin (44) as Orlando City SC’s all-time leading goalscorer across all competitions.
By assisting Torres’ goal, Martín Ojeda joined Mauricio Pereyra (44), Chris Mueller (24), Nani (23), and Kaká (22) as the only players to record at least 20 MLS regular season assists for Orlando City SC.
Charlotte FC responded by stepping up their tempo, but Orlando City SC’s defence held firm.
Then, Pedro Gallese made a crucial save from a dangerous free-kick awarded after a César Araújo foul.
Charlotte FC kept pushing but couldn’t carve out a clear-cut chance – a credit to Orlando City SC’s newfound defensive resilience.
The Lions then put the result beyond all doubt on 89 minutes.
Pedro Gallese’s precise kick found Luis Muriel, who sent a perfectly weighted ball to fellow second-half substitute Duncan McGuire.
Adding another brilliant run to his collection, Big Dunc chipped Kristijan Kahlina for his ninth goal of this MLS regular season (2-0).
This goal was significant too as it saw Duncan McGuire draw level with the legendary Kaká on 25 goals, tying him for the fourth-most goals in club history across all competitions.
Despite eight minutes of second-half stoppage time, Orlando City SC remained in control and even came close to adding a third.
Duncan McGuire’s powerful header on 90+8 minutes only narrowly missed the target.
On the night, Orlando City SC dominated the stats, finishing with more possession (58% to 42%), shots (12 to 4), and corners (7 to 3).
Despite both teams having two shots on target, Orlando City SC’s clinical second-half performance proved decisive.
At full-time, there were heartwarming clips of Orlando City SC players greeting former Lion Júnior Urso who was returning to Inter&Co Stadium for the first time as an opposition player.
In sealing the win, Orlando City SC strung together three straight clean sheet wins for the first time since the tail end of the 2023 MLS regular season.
Oscar’s Pareja’s win against Charlotte FC also moved him past Dominic Kinnear into fifth place for the most regular season wins (171) in MLS history.
What’s at stake this time?
With Charlotte FC leapfrogging New York City FC into fifth place on 2024 MLS Decision Day, Orlando City SC now face The Crown in the Round One Best-of-3 Series of the 2024 MLS Cup Playoffs.
Ironically, it’s the second successive season that Orlando City SC will face an English head coach surnamed ‘Smith’ at this stage of the post-season!
Having only ever contested one MLS Wild Card match (2023) before, game one will be Charlotte FC’s first playoff game proper.
On October 19, Charlotte FC’s 0-3 win at D.C. United and New York City FC’s 2-0 defeat at CF Montréal meant Dean Smith’s side finished the 2024 MLS regular season on 51 points, just a point behind Orlando City SC (52).
But by virtue of finishing fourth in the Eastern Conference this MLS regular season, Oscar Pareja’s Orlando City SC are one of the four higher seeded Eastern teams entering Round One of the 2024 MLS Cup Playoffs.
This means the Lions will host two home fixtures at Inter&Co Stadium as part of the Round One Best-of-3 series format introduced last season.
Providing City a significant advantage, Best-of-3 Round One matches will be hosted in the following format.
- Home
- Away
- Home
The higher Eastern Conference seeds – sides finishing first through fourth in the 2024 MLS regular season – will host games one and three.
The lower Eastern Conference seeds – sides finishing fifth through ninth – will only host one Round One Best-of-3 fixture.
Round One Best-of-3 fixtures must be settled in 90 minutes, otherwise there’s penalty kicks.
Ultimately the first team to win two matches in the Best-of-3 series will advance to the Eastern Conference Semi-Final stage.
Should Orlando City SC win games one and two – either in 90 minutes or via penalty kicks – there is no need for game three that is immediately rendered obsolete.
Just as it was when City defeated Nashville SC 1-0 and 0-1 in games one and two of Round One of the 2023 MLS Cup Playoffs.
To recap the matchups in this year’s Eastern Conference Round One Best-of-3 Series, they are as follows:
- No. 1 (Inter Miami) vs. No. 9 (Atlanta United)
- No. 2 (Columbus Crew) vs. No. 7 (New York Red Bulls)
- No. 3 (FC Cincinnati) vs. No. 6 (New York City FC)
- No. 4 (Orlando City SC) vs. No. 5 (Charlotte FC)
If Orlando City SC manage to progress past Charlotte FC, the playoff bracket dictates that the Lions will face Florida rivals Inter Miami or Georgia rivals Atlanta United at the Eastern Conference Semi-Final stage.
On Tuesday night, Atlanta United qualified for the 2024 MLS Cup Playoffs proper after defeating CF Montréal 2-2 (4-5 on penalties) at Stade Saputo.
In the end, Englishman Tom Pearce’s penalty miss unfortunately proved decisive in the Eastern Conference MLS Wild Card match.
Atlanta United advanced despite their club legend Josef Martínez scoring a brace, which helped CF Montréal come back from a 0-2 first-half deficit.
Facing one of our fierce rivals, especially Inter Miami (A) with Lionel Messi, would certainly be a huge challenge, but let’s take care of Charlotte FC first.
Elsewhere, Facundo Torres, with 18 goals across all competitions, is just one goal shy of setting the single-season scoring record for Orlando City SC at 19 goals.
Cyle Larin set that record in his historic rookie campaign in 2015, scoring 18 goals across all competitions.
Now, Torres will aim to make his own mark in the playoffs after becoming Orlando City SC’s all-time leading goalscorer (45 goals) across all competitions against Philadelphia Union on October 2.
For this achievement, El Cuervo received a commemorative match ball ahead of Orlando City SC’s 2024 MLS Decision Day clash with Atlanta United.
In past years, rash decisions, hot-headedness, and red cards have dramatically derailed our playoff runs, not always in the Round One stage but eventually.
As we know, Oscar Pareja’s man management and siege mentality can be both a blessing and a curse.
While we can’t question City’s passion and desire to win, we’ve taken it too far in previous seasons, allowing our emotions to get the better of us, often to our detriment.
One thing is clear though.
Orlando City SC supporters will not tolerate overly reckless or kamikaze performances, both individually and collectively, this time around.
Believe me; I’m still haunted by Mauricio Pereyra’s 2020 red card against New England Revolution and Rodrigo Schlegel’s 2023 red card against Columbus Crew, and not just because it’s almost Halloween!
Orlando City SC must play smart this time and prove to everybody and themselves that we’ve truly learned from these past mistakes.
Opposition danger men
For much of the year, Charlotte FC have only had one Designated Player in their ranks – Liel Abada.
But they went back up to two when Karol Świderski returned from his Hellas Verona loan in July.
Having spent all of 2022, 2023, and now part of 2024 with Charlotte FC, Świderski has logged 28 goals and 12 assists in 71 MLS appearances for the Mint City side.
This year, the Polish international striker picked up from where he left off by scoring a penalty in a 2-2 draw at Austin FC back on July 20.
Having more recently scored in three of Charlotte FC’s last four MLS fixtures (4 goals), Karol Świderski’s goalscoring prowess is a big threat to Orlando City SC in this game.
Elsewhere, young forward Patrick Agyemang is currently enjoying a solid breakout season in MLS.
While he was on the fringes of Charlotte FC’s first team roster last year, 6 ft 4 in Agyemang has certainly made 2024 his own.
Still raw, he has certainly surprised veteran MLS defenders with his brute strength and direct attacking style.
Scoring 10 goals and tallying five assists this MLS regular season, Patrick Agyemang’s rise is part of the reason that CLTFC decided to sell former Designated Player Enzo Copetti to Rosario Central in May.
This situation is reminiscent of Orlando City SC parting ways with Ercan Kara midway through last season, prompted by Duncan McGuire’s meteoric rise as a rookie.
Club captain Ashley Westwood is another steady, if not spectacular member of Charlotte FC’s squad.
Taking free-kicks and corners for the Queen City side, former Aston Villa midfielder Westwood has enjoyed his time in MLS so far and definitely makes Charlotte FC tick in the centre of the park.
As for Designated Player Liel Abada, the Israel international winger arrived in North Carolina with considerable fanfare.
With Charlotte FC investing a reported £8 million to secure his signature from Celtic, Abada has endured an injury-hit first season in MLS.
Returning to first team action in May after a thigh strain, Liel Abada showcased his talent by scoring a brace in Charlotte FC’s 2-3 statement win at Atlanta United on June 2.
Then, on August 15, Charlotte FC signed Pep Biel on loan from Olympiacos just before the MLS Secondary Transfer Window closed.
The Spanish attacking midfielder became Charlotte FC’s third Designated Player after Liel Abada and Karol Świderski, and has two goals and three assists in MLS so far.
And last but not least, Charlotte FC also have former Lion Júnior Urso with The Bear returning to Inter&Co Stadium for the second time as an opposition player.
Injuries and suspensions
Heading into this game, Mason Stajduhar (right lower leg) is definitely out for the Lions.
But every other member of Oscar Pareja’s 2024 Orlando City SC roster is fit and ready to contribute.
Combined with our home advantage in the Round One Best-of-3 Series, this is a significant boost.
Crucially, Wilder Cartagena is back in contention after serving his one-match suspension for yellow card accumulation against Atlanta United on 2024 MLS Decision Day.
With both him and César Araújo being vital to our playoff chances as our dynamic midfield double pivot, it’s time for the Lions to deliver on the big stage.
Elsewhere, midfielder Heine Gikling Bruseth still awaits his City debut after being an unused substitute in Orlando City SC’s last six MLS fixtures.
Considering Bruseth hasn’t even featured for Orlando City B, it’s somewhat strange that Oscar Pareja hasn’t handed the Norway Under-21 international any MLS minutes so far.
As for Charlotte FC, former Orlando City B defender Jahlane Forbes (hip) is definitely out while Nikola Petković (knee) is questionable.
Despite David Bingham’s recovery from a back injury, The Crown have also recalled third choice goalkeeper George Marks from his loan with Las Vegas Lights FC.
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Orlando City SC vs Charlotte FC
Last 3 head-to-heads
- August 30, 2023: Charlotte FC 1 Orlando City SC 1 (MLS)
- June 19, 2024: Charlotte FC 2 Orlando City SC 2 (MLS)
- September 18, 2024: Orlando City SC 2 Charlotte FC 0 (MLS)
2015/24 head-to-head stats
- It was 2-0 to Orlando the last time the sides met (September 2024)
- Played Charlotte 6 times in MLS – Orlando 3, Draws 2, Charlotte 1
- Both sides have scored in 5 of 7 head-to-heads across all competitions
- Orlando have scored 2 or more goals in 14 of their last 17 MLS fixtures
- Karol Świderski has scored in 3 of Charlotte’s last 4 MLS fixtures (4 goals)
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Watching the game
Orlando City SC vs Charlotte FC will be shown live on Apple TV at 23:30 (GMT) on Sunday, October 27.
Remember, UK supporters can watch this game and all of Orlando City SC’s fixtures in the 2024 MLS Cup Playoffs by subscribing to Apple TV’s “MLS Season Pass”.
Subscribe now by clicking here.
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