Orlando City vs. Columbus Crew: Three Keys to Victory

Orlando City is in the playoffs, but there’s still a chance for a top four spot if the Lions are able to maximize the points earned in the last three matches of the season. That starts this weekend when the Columbus Crew visit Inter&Co Stadium. The Crew sit two spots behind Orlando City in ninth place in the Eastern Conference. There are only two points separating the two clubs. What must Orlando City do to earn all three points against the Columbus Crew Saturday night?

More Goals, Please

Orlando City has scored five goals in the last three matches, but three of those came in the wild match against Nashville SC that saw Martin Ojeda score a first half brace. The other two matches ended in 1-1 draws against D.C. United and FC Cincinnati. Columbus has given up 49 goals this season, including three against the Lions back in July. Unfortunately for Orlando City, it was Ramiro Enrique that scored two of those goals.

Ojeda has been good this season, and I expect he will continue to manufacture goal contributions. Luis Muriel and Marco Pasaslic have been quiet of late. I need Orlando City’s other two Designated Players to get back on the score sheet. If Alex Freeman, Tyrese Spicer, or Ivan Angulo want to put one in, I’m here for that as well. Just score some goals!

Defense Must Hold

Despite his plea to the referee, Rodrigo Schlegel will not be available for this match. That means we will have a new back line in front of Pedro Gallese. Alex Freeman and Robin Jansson will almost certainly start. I expect David Brekalo to move to center back and we may see Adrían Marín start at left back, since Kyle Smith may still be required in the defensive midfield.

Diego Rossi has been sidelined with a hamstring injury sustained on Sept. 13 that is supposed to keep him out for two to four weeks. Saturday will be three weeks, and as I said on The Mane Land PawedCast, I’m convinced he’ll be back, because that would be our luck. If he is back, that is a big concern for the defense. Even if he isn’t, there is still Daniel Gazdag, Jacen Russell-Rowe, and Max Arfsten to deal with. Keeping a clean sheet will be a challenge.

Home Cooking

When I was down for the home match against Nashville SC, the crowd made a difference. Oscar Pareja often speaks of how a loud home crowd pushes “the boys” to try that little bit harder. To give that little bit of extra effort to secure a win for the fans. With the current injuries, a suspension, and squad rotation, every little bit can help.

Unfortunately, I will not be able to make it down this weekend, so I will rely on you and 20,000-plus other fans to make the difference. Securing three points at home is crucial. Inter&Co Stadium is one of the great venues in MLS, but there isn’t really a home field advantage without butts in the seats. The club is in the home stretch, so if you can make it Saturday night, you can contribute.

That is what I will be looking for Saturday night. Let me know your thoughts in the comments below. Vamos Orlando!