Two Eastern Conference teams vying for playoff positioning will clash on Friday night as the Columbus Crew host Orlando City.
Following the All-Star Break, the Crew are keen on maintaining their presence among the top teams to secure home-field advantage for the first round of the MLS Cup Playoffs. Columbus has managed to win two of their last three matches and has gained points in six of their previous seven matches, highlighted by a significant 4-2 victory over the conference leaders, FC Cincinnati, a couple of weeks prior.
Conversely, Orlando City is focused on securing a place in the top seven, aiming to steer clear of the Wild Card round. They recently broke a four-match winless streak with a crucial 2-1 victory over the New England Revolution last Saturday.
As the teams prepare for their encounter, the Crew currently hold the fourth spot in the Eastern Conference, sitting three points ahead of fifth-placed Inter Miami. Meanwhile, Orlando is positioned sixth, trailing Columbus by six points, but just three points clear of eighth-placed New York City FC.
This match is set to unfold at Lower.com Field in Columbus, Ohio, kicking off at 7:30 p.m. ET. Fans can catch the game live on Apple TV+.
With both teams motivated to secure vital points, this matchup promises to be an exciting contest for postseason hopes in the MLS.