Orlando City vs Columbus Crew (Eastern Conference Semifinals)
When: Saturday, 5:30 PM
Where: Exploria Stadium, Orlando, FL
Radio: Real Radio 104.1 FM, (English), Acción 97.9 FM (Spanish)
One Step Closer
After securing their second win in the best-of-three series against Nashville SC, the Lions earned the Club’s first playoff win on the road, backed by Iván Angulo’s early game-winner. With the win Orlando City advanced to the Eastern Conference Semifinals for the second time in Club history, last reaching this round in the Audi 2020 MLS Cup Playoffs.
A Change of Pace
With Round One of the Audi 2023 MLS Cup Playoffs now over, the competition will move from the best-of-three series to a single elimination format. The winner of Saturday’s showdown will advance to the Conference Finals and face the winner of No. 1 FC Cincinnati vs. No. 4 Philadelphia Union. The Conference Semifinals will also see the return of two 15-minute extra time periods should the match be tied at the end of regulation.
El Capitán
Captain Mauricio Pereyra is 38 minutes away from reaching 10,000 minutes on the pitch across all competitions as a Lion. Pereyra will become the third Orlando City player to reach this milestone after defender Robin Jansson and goalkeeper Pedro Gallese. Across his time with the Club, El Capitán has accumulated 134 appearances and holds the Club record with 47 assists.
Standing on Business
Orlando City was one of the five clubs across the league to sweep its Round One series and was the only team in MLS to not concede a goal in the playoffs to date. After winning the best-of-three series with consecutive 1-0 wins, the Lions had an 18-day break from game play due to the FIFA international window and will now face No. 3 Columbus Crew who played a third game in their Round One series against No. 6 Atlanta United FC.
Lucky Number 7
With a win over the Columbus Crew on Saturday night, the Lions will have earned their seventh straight win and will set a new Club record, while advancing to the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time in Club history. Orlando City would then face the winner of the No. 1 FC Cincinnati vs. No. 4 Philadelphia Union matchup.
Milestone Tracker:
-Midfielder Mauricio Pereyra is 38 minutes away from 10,000 played for Orlando City across all competitions.
-The Lions are one win away from seven straight and 16 consecutive at home. Both would be Club records.
-A win would advance the Lions to the Eastern Conference Final for the first time in Club history.
