44 - Chance at history
Orlando City has broken club records left and right in 2020, but wins in their last two games have put them in striking distance of a big one–tying the club’s all-time points record of 44, set in 2015. If the Lions win their last two matches, they will equal that mark despite playing a staggering 11 fewer matches. The 2020 Orlando City team has already passed 2018 (28) and 2019 (37) for total points.
4.59 - Key passes are the key
Mauricio Pereyra returned to the lineup in spectacular fashion in Sunday night’s win against Montreal, threading through a perfect ball to set up Daryl Dike’s game-winning goal. Pereyra is averaging 2.33 key passes per 96 minutes, just barely ahead of Nani at 2.26. Combined, their 4.59 key passes per 96 is the second-highest of any duo in the league. Pereyra ranks 10th overall in key passes per 96 among players with at least 1000 minutes played, while Nani is 11th.
2 and 16 - A tale of two halves
The Columbus Crew, Orlando City’s opponent on Wednesday night, had a historic start to their season on the defensive end, conceding just twice in their first ten regular season games. Their next set of matches, however, weren’t nearly so clean, as the Crew have conceded 16 goals in their last 11 matches. Columbus’ last clean sheet happened ten matches ago, on September 19 against Nashville.
6 - Expansion success
Nashville SC, who visit Exploria Stadium on Decision Day, wrapped up a playoff berth last week, becoming the sixth expansion franchise in MLS history to reach the postseason in their first year. You have to go back to 1998 to find the first two, as the Chicago Fire and the Miami Fusion both saw playoff soccer that year. Seattle reached in 2009 and has never once missed the playoffs, while Atlanta United (2017) and LAFC (2018) are the more recent entries.
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.
