Orlando City SC’s only trip to RFK Stadium this season couldn’t come at a more tense time. Both teams are within sight of the postseason and have been trading places for the sixth and final playoff berth for the last several weeks. But while Orlando have been in a somewhat state of flux after firing head coach Adrian Heath and appointing former RSL and NYCFC boss Jason Kreis in July, United have been gaining momentum and confidence with recent performances; they’ve lost only once in their last nine matches and will need to continue that run of form in order to leapfrog teams and qualify for the postseason. Both teams now possess the exact same schedule, but the Black-and-Red have a slightly better goal differential and are one spot ahead of the Floridians.
“They’re all huge at this point, and the fact that Orlando is right there with us and we play them twice down the stretch adds some spice to this game," head coach Ben Olsen said.
“This is playoffs for us,” midfielder Lamar Neagle said. “Every single game could mean the end. It’s make or break time."
United’s never-say-die attitude was on full display yet again in Chicago last week, when Bobby Boswell scored the team’s third consecutive game-tying goal in stoppage time (and 1,000th all-time) at Toyota Park.
The goal came a week after United’s dramatic draw in Harrison, NJ, when the Black-and-Red trailed for 94 minutes before Neagle scored the game-tying goal in the fifth minute of stoppage time. That type of fight has led the Black-and-Red to score seven game-tying goals after the 75th minute this season, as well as one game-winner in the same timeframe. United are looking to continue their momentum and collect points as often as they can as the season nears the final stage.
For Orlando City, forward Cyle Larin is still scoring goals after his remarkable rookie campaign and will be a handful for Steve Birnbaum and Bobby Boswell. United goalkeeper Bill Hamid, who has now been nominated for Phillips 66 Save of the Week 10 times, will look to keep Larin, Kevin Molino and Designated Player Kaká out of the net. Both Larin and Molino have reached double digit goals while the Brazilian midfielder is having another standout campaign as well, scoring eight times and adding eight assists. Italian midfielder Antonio Nocerino, who was acquired by Orlando from United earlier this year and struggled early on in his first MLS season, is starting to acclimate to the league but has failed to register a goal or an assist so far this season.
With the number of remaining matches dwindling, United need quality results as often as possible. With another home match in the coming days, the Black-and-Red will look to take full advantage of the homestand.
“Everybody knows how big the game is," defender Steve Birnbaum said. "Practice has been sharp, hopefully we have a big crowd on Saturday and we’re ready to go."
