1. Time is running out
We are in the final third of the MLS regular season. Most clubs have around nine or ten matches left before the 2019 season comes to a close. And both Orlando City SC and Sporting Kansas City find themselves on the outside of the playoffs looking in.
Sporting KC are fighting to make the playoffs for five-straight years since moving to the Western Conference in 2015. For a club that finished first in the Western Conference just last season, this season is undeniably a precipitous drop in their performance, although a slew of injuries clearly hampered Peter Vermes’ selection.
Orlando City SC, meanwhile, are trying to end a disappointing first few years in MLS. What Orlando might find comfort in is knowing that they are only three points out of a playoff place. Sporting KC are further back in their battle as they find themselves eight points adrift of FC Dallas for seventh place.
Both clubs are at the point where they can no longer afford to drop points. Sporting KC have lacked the consistency over recent weeks and clearly suffered from an early and busy start to the 2019 season as a result of the CONCACAF Champions League. For that reason, they may be afforded a pass for missing the playoffs from supporters and upper management. But Orlando City SC’s owner Flavio August da Silva has maintained his position that the Lions are expected to make the coveted postseason in 2019. And for that to be achieved, they cannot drop points here.
For that reason, it should be an exciting match at Exploria Stadium. Both sides will be fighting for all three points as the MLS season enters the final stretch, and that often leads to a fascinating contest.