Two clubs looking to keep their playoff hopes alive will collide at the Citrus Bowl as Orlando City SC host the Chicago Fire in a very important matchup.
Orlando City is trying to end a winless streak in their past four Major League Soccer (MLS) matches which saw the club suffer devastating defeats.
After opening the month of August with a 5–2 victory over Columbus Crew SC, the Lions went on a downhill slope.
Orlando City then suffered a loss to Toronto FC (4–1), a scoreless draw facing Philadelphia Union, a shutout defeat against Seattle Sounders FC (4–0) and again a drubbing from Toronto (5–0).
The Lions are in a tough situation as the game against Chicago could bring them closer to the playoffs or pull them down the standings.
Orlando City holds a 7–12–7 record with 28 points and is tied with the Montreal Impact and New York City FC (NYC FC) for the sixth seed in the Eastern Conference.
The result of their match against the Fire will be affecting their playoff chances big time with goalkeeper Tally Hall saying, according to the Orlando Sentinel, that it is a must win game for them.
Meanwhile Chicago, who sits on the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings, will have all the momentum heading to the match following a huge 3–2 win over the second-seeded New York Red Bulls in their last match in the MLS.
The victory over the Red Bulls was the Fire's first after three winless matches that saw them lose to the Portland Timbers (–0); have a 3–3 draw against Philadelphia; and again suffer a defeat facing the Colorado Rapids (1-0).
Chicago holds a 7–13–5 record with 26 points; a win over Orlando City will be huge for the club's playoff hopes but a loss will likely crush its chances.
The match between the Chicago Fire and Orlando City SC is on Saturday, Aug. 29, at 7:30 p.m. EST. To watch via live stream click here.
