8 - Magic number
At 30 points, Orlando City sit 14 points above the red line with seven games to play, meaning there are 21 points still on offer. Chicago Fire FC currently sit in 11th place with 16 points, meaning the maximum they could achieve is 37. This means Orlando City need to earn eight points, which would put them at 38, to guarantee their first trip to the postseason in franchise history. They may not even need to do that, if the team who resides in 11th (the Fire or anyone else) drops those points.
0 - Right where he left off
Brian Rowe waited 367 days to get back between the pipes for Orlando City, but his patience paid off on Wednesday night in Atlanta. The veteran netminder made two crucial saves to keep a clean sheet as Orlando drew Atlanta 0-0 to extend their unbeaten streak to ten. Rowe earned seven clean sheets in 32 starts last year for Orlando, making Wednesday his eighth in purple.
3 - Kamal’s Kategories
On Saturday against the New York Red Bulls, Kyle Smith had a dominant performance on the defensive end. On Wednesday night, it was Kamal Miller’s turn, as the second-year left back went 90 minutes and led Orlando City in three separate defensive categories. Miller had four tackles, five interceptions, and eight ball recoveries, all team highs.
12 - All hands on deck
The Columbus Crew have been MLS’ top defensive team this season, boasting a record of just 12 goals conceded in 16 games. Somehow, they’ve managed to stay on top of the defensive charts despite a serious dip in form over the past few weeks–the Crew have not recorded a clean sheet in their last four games and have conceded seven in their last three games. That means they allowed just five goals in their first 13 matches!
1.5 - FAIRWINDS Credit Union
Score up to 1.5% cash back and LionNation points when you use your FAIRWINDS Orlando City Visa® or Orlando Pride Visa® on game day purchases and everyday essentials. Apply today and get purple carded.
