. . World News – USA – Orlando City vs.. . NYCFC: Back Lions to Advance in MLS Playoffs

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Orlando City SC will welcome New York City FC to their game in the Sunshine State on Saturday, marking the start of the first round of the postseason of Major League Soccer.

This is one of the more even, first-round competitions that I’m really looking forward to. I’ve been really impressed with some of the results Orlando City has had this season, including finishing second in the MLS is Back tournament in Orlando last summer.

On the flip side, NYCFC has the potential to get a real run in the playoffs.

Orlando City finished the season with 41 points in the Eastern Conference, good enough for fourth place in the regular season standings. That record secured the Lions this home game.

In what I think is a very even match, the home field could be the deciding factor driving Orlando City over the top. From the midsummer tournament to the regular season, I was really impressed by the Lions.

Now, some might point to weak form, highlighted by a 3-2 loss to Nashville in Orlando that ended the regular season.

However, I have two things to point out to those who have concerns. First of all, Nashville isn’t a sucker and could make some noise in these playoffs. Second, it was the only regular season home defeat Orlando City suffered.

Similar to Nashville, I’ve supported Orlando City when it has played at home many times in the past two months, which has been a profitable and successful strategy. I really like how manager Oscar Pareja, whom I value as a coach, brings Lions into the playoffs.

The good news is that Orlando City is getting Nani back from suspension for the game, who happens to be their best player. He could be the difference maker, but Orlando City is a pretty strong team and has had poor results throughout the season too.

The Lions generated 1. 47 expected goals per game during the season, only 1 goal conceded. 15 xGA / game at the same time.

Expected goals (also known as xG) is an extended statistic that provides information about whether the results are based on sustainable factors such as the constant creation of goal chances or whether they are aspects such as luck or excellent goalkeepers.

I think Orlando City has an advantage in terms of goalkeeping and defense, which is good because NYCFC can be very dangerous in the attack.

The Boys in Blue also had a successful season and finished fifth in the Eastern Conference with 39 points. NYCFC has playoff experience which could help get him off to the postseason.

The form of the club is pretty strong, winning four games in a row. The performance against Orlando City was a little weaker. NYCFC suffered a 3-1 loss to their hosts at the MLS is Back Tournament and then decided to draw 1-1 in mid-October.

I think this club is finally healthy and quite dangerous and is picking up speed on the track. NYCFC set a solid 6-3-4 away record in their league game, which means that a win here would come as no surprise to many.

The only area NYCFC has is its explosiveness and attack strength in the defensive third of its opponent’s field of play.

During the season, NYCFC generated 1. 64 xG / game, that was 0. 17 more than Orlando City. The boys in blue also suffered a lot of injuries.

I think that number could be lower with a full NYCFC roster. The club has conceded 1. 24 xGA / game, that was 0. 09 more than Orlando City.

If I bet against NYCFC, I would hold my breath when it comes to numbers. However, I wouldn’t count myself if Orlando City conceded an early goal too.

In summary, this is how I see the visitor page. NYCFC has a playoff pedigree and invaluable experience on its squad, which is beneficial for a club like Orlando City.

As I mentioned earlier, this is such a balanced game. NYCFC has the explosiveness to take the win and move forward, but I will be supporting Orlando City in that first-round confrontation.

I think whoever wins this game could make a deep playoff run. I will be relying on Orlando City’s continued success and shape throughout the season, not NYCFC’s recent shows. I also give Orlando City the benefit of playing at home which might make it overdone.

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New York City FC, Orlando City SC, MLS Cup Playoffs