ORLANDO, Fla. (Sept. 26, 2023) – No. 5 Orlando City B will face No. 3 Columbus Crew 2 in the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals of the 2023 MLS NEXT Pro Playoffs, it was announced today. The Lions match against Crew 2 is set for Sunday, Oct. 1, at Historic Crew Stadium on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV, with kickoff scheduled for 5:30 p.m. ET.
Led by co-Golden Boot winner Jack Lynn (19 goals), Orlando City B finished its 2023 regular-season campaign as the fifth seed in the Eastern Conference, following a 13-10-5 record and amassing 46 points in 28 matches. OCB also posted a 9-3-2 record at Osceola County Stadium this season, tied for most home wins in MLS NEXT Pro, including a 2-1 win on Decision Day over FC Cincinnati 2.
Columbus Crew 2 finished the regular season at the top of the Central Division with 54 points and a 16-9-3 record. The Crew enter the 2023 postseason as defending champions having won the inaugural MLS NEXT Pro Cup last season. The two sides split the season series, with the Lions taking the last matchup on Aug. 27, a 4-1 win at home, and Columbus recording a 4-0 win earlier in the year.
The 2023 season features an expanded playoff format that includes a "pick-your-opponent" structure in the first two rounds, with Crew 2 selecting OCB to face in the Conference Quarterfinals. The playoffs will consist of three rounds followed by MLS NEXT Pro Cup, taking place over four consecutive weeks beginning the weekend of Sept. 29. All playoff matches and MLS NEXT Pro Cup (Oct. 22) will be broadcast live on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV.
