Orlando City v Philadelphia Union: Visitors still in control of their destiny, says Curtin

Jim Curtin is confident the Philadelphia Union have put themselves in a good position, but admits they need to stop dropping points ahead of their trip to Orlando City.

The Union had recorded back-to-back wins in MLS before last weekend, when they let a lead slip to draw 1-1 with Atlanta United.

It leaves them ninth in the Eastern Conference, one of three teams on 37 points, as they push for a place in the playoffs.

Despite the tight table, Curtin is optimistic that their solid work to this point will be enough to help them qualify.

“We’re at a point in the year that every team in and around that red line are very desperate,” he said.

“It’s going to go down to the last day for sure, and we’ve put ourselves in a situation where we’re still in control of our own destiny, but our margin for error is small.

“Not taking the extra two points against Atlanta makes it a little more challenging, no doubts about that.”

Playoff Purple

— Orlando City SC – x (@OrlandoCitySC) September 30, 2024

Meanwhile, Orlando clinched their playoff place last time out with a 3-1 win over FC Dallas.

Sitting fourth in the table, Oscar Pareja was proud of how his team turned around a poor start to the campaign but is still pushing them to finish the regular season strongly.

“We’re so excited, and we have a lot of gratitude with the club and with the fans that have supported us this year,” Pareja said. “One more time we qualify for the playoffs.

“It’s great for a group of players that have a big heart and a big love for the club too, and a lot of passion for what they do. So, I’m very happy.

“We still have a journey to navigate. The boys are in a good mentality.”

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Orlando City – Facundo Torres

With a goal on Saturday, Facundo Torres has contributed to at least one goal in five straight regular season matches, equalling the longest streak of his career.

The Orlando City club record for consecutive games with a goal contribution is six, done three times before, including by Martin Ojeda earlier this season.

Philadelphia Union – Nathan Harriel

The Union drew, 1-1, with Atlanta United on Saturday despite taking a 1-0 lead, with Harriel scoring their lone goal.

Philadelphia have now dropped 24 points from winning positions this season, the second-most in MLS in 2024 (St. Louis City – 25) and most in a single season in club history, and Harriel will want to help his fellow defenders ensure it does not happen again.

Quinn Kai Nate #DOOP pic.twitter.com/0l7hBU1dtc

— Philadelphia Union (@PhilaUnion) September 29, 2024

MATCH PREDICTION: ORLANDO CITY WIN

Orlando defeated the Union 3-2 at Subaru Park on May 11. The Lions have never defeated Philadelphia twice in a single season before.

Indeed, Orlando are unbeaten in nine straight home matches (W6 D3) in all competitions, including keeping clean sheets in each of the last four. This is the first time they kept clean sheets in four straight home matches in all competitions in club history.

Meanwhile, the Union have won two of their last three regular-season away matches (L1), including a 5-1 victory at New York City FC on September 18. Philadelphia had won only one of their previous eight road league matches prior to this run.

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

Orlando City – 45.9%

Draw – 26.7%

Philadelphia Union – 27.4%