Last weekend’s controversial finish has left Orlando City with a bit of work still to do in order to reach the Audi MLS Cup Playoffs. But while the Lions won’t go again until Decision Day this Sunday, Nov. 7, there is a chance for Orlando to make the postseason tonight. And it all rides on, of all teams, the Houston Dynamo FC.
Here are the standings going into tonight. Orlando can finish as high as fourth, so we’ll include only the teams from there on down:
4. New York City FC - 50 pts, 14 wins, +19 GD
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5. Orlando City - 48 pts, 12 wins, 0 GD
6. Atlanta United - 47 pts, 12 wins, +7 GD (playing tonight)
7. New York Red Bulls - 46 ps, 13 wins, +6 GD (playing tonight)
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8. D.C. United - 44 pts, 13 wins, 0 GD
9. Columbus Crew - 44 pts, 12 wins, -1 GD
10. CF Montréal - 43 pts, 11 wins, +2 GD (playing tonight)
Here’s what to watch for tonight:
CF Montréal (43 pts, 10th) vs. Houston Dynamo
Wednesday 11/3, 7:30 p.m.
Orlando plays Montréal on Sunday. If the Canadian side wins tonight, it will have a chance to pass the Lions with a Decision Day win at Stade Saputo.
However, if Montréal loses or draws tonight’s game, they will not have enough points to catch Orlando City even with a victory on Sunday. The Lions already have enough points to be clear of D.C. United and Columbus Crew.
Bottom line: if Montréal loses or draws against Houston tonight, Orlando City will officially clinch a playoff berth. H-Town #HoldItDown, indeed.
New York Red Bulls (46 pts, 7th) vs. Atlanta United (47 pts, 6th)
Wednesday 11/3, 7:30 p.m.
This one is important too. If Montréal wins out and passes Orlando, there’s still a way for City to make the playoffs, but it would require finishing ahead of either the Red Bulls or Atlanta. With the Five Stripes set to play Wooden Spoon holders FC Cincinnati on Decision Day, the odds are much better that Orlando will be able to stay ahead of the Red Bulls, who are away to Nashville SC for their finale. Thus, a draw or even an Atlanta win are good results for Orlando City here.
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In the Hunt Rooting Guide for Week 35:*
MTLvHOU - draw or Houston win (required for Week 35 clinch)
RBNYvATL - draw or Atlanta win
