Orlando City Eyes Playoff Berth Against Chicago Fire
Orlando City will look to secure a spot in the MLS Eastern Conference playoffs when they face the Chicago Fire at Soldier Field on Wednesday night.
The Lions enter the matchup in seventh place in the Eastern Conference with a 12-13-6 record and 42 points. A victory over Chicago, combined with a Columbus Crew loss to FC Dallas, would guarantee Orlando a postseason berth.
Orlando remains unbeaten in its last four matches, with two wins and two draws. The team is level on points with FC Cincinnati, while the New York Red Bulls sit ninth with 39 points and Columbus occupies 10th place with 38. Philadelphia Union, currently sixth, holds a four-point advantage over Orlando.
Midfielder Wilder Cartagena expressed confidence in the team’s recent performances.
“In a season, there are going to be highs and lows, and there’s going to be problems throughout the season,” Cartagena said through a translator. “I’m happy for the phase we’re in now. I think the team is doing good.”
The Lions will also be seeking revenge for their 2-1 home defeat to Chicago on August 19. Fire forward Lewandowski scored the winning goal from the penalty spot in the 68th minute, extending Chicago’s unbeaten run against Orlando to four matches, including three victories and one draw.
Orlando coach Martin Perelman emphasized his team’s determination ahead of the rematch.
“We will be ready, we will prepare ourselves,” Perelman said. “We will compete in the best way we can and try to get the points.”
Orlando enters Wednesday’s contest following a 2-2 draw against New York City FC. Martin Ojeda scored his team-leading 16th goal of the season, while Antoine Griezmann added his 13th.
Chicago, meanwhile, has already secured a playoff berth and sits fourth in the Eastern Conference with a 15-10-6 record and 51 points. The Fire trail second-place New England Revolution and third-place Inter Miami by four points.
The Fire returned to winning ways Saturday with a 3-2 road victory over Atlanta United, ending a two-match losing streak. Anton Saletros, Anzor Mekvabishvili and Philip Zinckernagel each found the net to help Chicago collect three important points.
Despite the victory, Fire coach Gregg Berhalter believes his players can improve their performances, particularly in possession.
“I like the fight, and I like the resilience, but I know every one of you can do better with the ball and we will do that,” Berhalter told his team Monday.
Maren Haile-Selassie leads Chicago’s current players with 11 goals this season. He also shares the team lead in assists with Zinckernagel, with both players recording 10.
With Orlando fighting to secure its postseason future and Chicago looking to strengthen its position ahead of the playoffs, Wednesday’s meeting at Soldier Field carries significant implications for both Eastern Conference clubs.
