Towards the MLS Playoffs: Prospects for Orlando City and Inter Miami

FORT LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA - AUGUST 02: Lionel Messi #10 of Inter Miami CF lays on the pitch after being knocked down during the Leagues Cup 2023 Round of 32 match between Orlando City SC and Inter Miami CF at DRV PNK Stadium on August 02, 2023 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
FORT LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA - AUGUST 02: Lionel Messi #10 of Inter Miami CF lays on the pitch after being knocked down during the Leagues Cup 2023 Round of 32 match between Orlando City SC and Inter Miami CF at DRV PNK Stadium on August 02, 2023 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

With the end of the MLS regular season rapidly approaching, it’s time to assess the prospects of Orlando City and Inter Miami regarding the playoffs. Both teams have clear goals of qualifying for the knockout stage, but their current performance and remaining matches could be determining factors. In this article, we will discuss both teams’ chances of making it to the MLS playoffs based on their performance so far and the games still to come.

  • Orlando City:

Striving for Consistency Orlando City currently sits in the second position in the Eastern Conference with 50 points. Their season has been marked by brilliant moments but also performance fluctuations. The team has secured 14 wins and drawn eight times in the 29 rounds thus far. The dependence on key players like Pereyra and Angulo has been evident, but the team is still in search of consistency.

With five games remaining in the regular season, Orlando City is in a favorable position to qualify for the playoffs. However, the team needs to address its defensive issues and avoid unnecessary draws to secure a solid playoff position.

FORT LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA – AUGUST 02: (L-R) Rafael Santos #3 of Orlando City SC shakes hands with Lionel Messi #10 of Inter Miami CF following the Leagues Cup 2023 Round of 32 match between Orlando City SC and Inter Miami CF at DRV PNK Stadium on August 02, 2023 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. (Photo by Hector Vivas/Getty Images)
FORT LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA – AUGUST 02: (L-R) Rafael Santos #3 of Orlando City SC shakes hands with Lionel Messi #10 of Inter Miami CF following the Leagues Cup 2023 Round of 32 match between Orlando City SC and Inter Miami CF at DRV PNK Stadium on August 02, 2023 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. (Photo by Hector Vivas/Getty Images) /
  • Inter Miami:

The Messi Turnaround Inter Miami, currently in the 13th position in the Eastern Conference with 31 points, is in pursuit of a remarkable turnaround to qualify for the playoffs. The arrival of Lionel Messi, accompanied by Busquets and Jordi Alba, has changed the team’s dynamics. In the last 14 matches, they have secured 12 wins, demonstrating a remarkable increase in performance.

Inter Miami needs to continue this positive trend and bridge the five-point gap to D.C. United, the first team in the play-in playoff zone, to secure a spot in the playoffs. With Messi leading the attack, Inter Miami’s prospects are brighter than ever.

The prospects for Orlando City and Inter Miami in the MLS playoffs are filled with challenges and opportunities. Orlando City aims to solidify its position, while Inter Miami is striving for an impressive turnaround. With exciting matches ahead, fans of both teams can expect a season finale full of twists and emotions. However, the key to success will be consistent performance in the remaining matches and the ability to overcome challenges that arise on the path to the playoffs.