Orlando City is getting ready to meet Nashville SC in the playoffs; the Lions maintain their second-place standing in the power rankings; Messiah Bright is a finalist for the NWSL Rookie of the Year award; and more.
Orlando City is getting ready for their playoff matchup with Nashville SC.
The first MLS playoff game between Orlando City and Nashville will take place on Oct. 30 at Exploria Stadium in less than a week. Between these two teams, this will be the first game of a three-game series. The Lions surpassed club records in wins and points this season, and they will be in the postseason for the fourth consecutive season.
Five goals have been scored in the last five games by Duncan McGuire, who has been in excellent form. Earlier this month, Orlando City defeated Nashville 1-0 at Geodis Park to snap an eight-game losing streak. In the final stretch leading up to the playoffs, Nashville has only triumphed once in their last five league games. Geodis Park will host the second meeting between these two on November 7.
Lions continue to rank second in the MLS Power Rankings.
Following its 2-0 victory over Toronto FC this past weekend, Orlando City maintained its second-place status in the most recent MLS power rankings. With 13 goals in the regular season, McGuire has 15 goals in all competitions. He scored both goals in this match. As they prepare to host Nashville in the playoffs, the Lions have won their last five games. Decision Day saw Nashville fall one spot to 12th in the power rankings with a 1-0 loss to the New York Red Bulls.
A finalist for NWSL Rookie of the Year is Messiah Bright.
A finalist for the National Women’s Soccer League Rookie of the Year award has been announced: Messiah Bright, a forward with the Orlando Pride. She is up against attacker Alyssa Thompson of Angel City FC and midfielder Jenna Nighswonger of NJ/NY Gotham FC. Fans have till Friday to cast their votes in the final round. The award winners will be revealed closer to the November 11, 2023, NWSL Championship game.
Bright and numerous other Pride players are also eligible to vote for the first and second teams of the NWSL Best XI. Because of her work with the Pet Alliance of Greater Orlando, Pride custodian Anna Moorhouse is Orlando’s representative for the 2023 Nationwide Community Impact Award.
The MLS Playoff Wild Card Games begin this evening.
Two wildcard meetings will take place tonight to begin the 2023 MLS Cup playoffs. The Red Bulls and Charlotte FC will play the first game. John Tolkin’s penalty kick goal helped the Red Bulls defeat Nashville 1-0 and sneak into the playoffs.
To get here, Charlotte FC also defeated Inter Miami CF 1-0 on Decision Day. FC Cincinnati, the winners of the Supporters’ Shield, will play the winner of this match.
Sporting Kansas City will take on the San Jose Earthquakes in the other game tonight. Decision Day saw both of those teams secure their positions when Kansas City defeated Minnesota United 3-1 and the Earthquakes drew 1-1 with Austin FC.
The winner of that game will play St. Louis City SC, the best team in the Western Conference. Both games are available to watch on Apple TV+’s MLS Season Pass.