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Can Orlando City Make the MLS Playoffs?

By  //  May 23, 2024

With the buzz surrounding Lionel Messi and Inter Miami these days, Orlando City has somewhat gone under the radar. However, the Lions are keen to remind soccer fans that there are two Florida-based soccer clubs in Major League Soccer (MLS). Can Oscar Pareja’s men make a push for the playoffs this season?

Miami Has Made a Strong Start

So far, the 2024 campaign has been going well for Inter Miami. The Herons, partly owned by English legend David Beckham, lead the way in the Eastern Conference table. Orlando, in contrast, has made a slow start to the season, hovering outside the playoff spots. The battle for the title will be fascinating, and Miami is the current championship favorite at +200. Check out this Stake casino review for the latest bonuses and promotions to use on soccer betting. While Inter wants the title, City is gunning for the playoffs.

Orlando Has Work to Do

This was always going to be a tough season for Orlando City. The attention in Florida has been on Inter Miami, though Pareja’s Lions have quietly gone about their business. Unfortunately, City has made an indifferent start to the 2024 MLS season.

Ahead of the big Florida derby between the two rivals, Orlando has picked up just three wins all season. The Florida outfit failed to win any of the opening four, drawing with Montreal before successive losses to Inter Miami, Minnesota United, and Atlanta United.

However, after one draw and two defeats, City did manage to pick up a much-needed victory in the game before the big Florida derby. Luis Muriel was the hero in Philadelphia, scoring twice in the 3-2 victory.

Orlando’s form has picked up of late, as Pareja’s troops have won three, tied two, and lost two of the last seven. The improved form has lifted them up the league table, with the playoff places now in sight.

Can City Bounce Back?

Orlando and Miami have already locked horns this year, as the duo clashed in the early stages of the 2024 campaign. Regrettably for City, they fell to a heavy 5-0 reverse at Chase Stadium. Veterans Luis Suarez and Messi ran the show for the home team, scoring two each in the demolition job.

Orlando hardly had a kick in Miami, and Pareja’s side was three goals down before the half-time whistle. Inter then controlled the second period to run out easy winners on home soil. The next meeting will be the 13th time the pair have gone head-to-head, and the Lions will be out for revenge at Inter&Co Stadium.

Can the Lions Roar into the Playoffs?

The race for the playoffs is likely to go to the wire in America’s top tier this season. Orlando is just outside the top nine in the Eastern section, but the table is extremely congested.

The 2024 MLS campaign is still in its infancy, and there are many games to play before any club can start thinking about the end-of-season lottery. Like many sides, the Lions are in the mix, and Pareja’s men will look for consistency as the season progresses.