Charlotte FC vs. Orlando City: Eastern Conference Playoff Showdown
In a high-stakes Eastern Conference matchup, the 4-seed Orlando City heads to Bank of America Stadium to face the 5-seed Charlotte FC, holding a 1-game advantage after their 2-0 victory at home last Sunday. Orlando City has been dominant in the latter half of the season but has struggled to secure wins at Charlotte’s home field, with their last win at Bank of America Stadium over two years ago.
Charlotte FC has been a defensive powerhouse, conceding only 37 goals throughout the regular season – the fewest in the Eastern Conference. However, their emphasis on defense may have cost them in the attacking department, as they only managed 46 goals in 34 games, the lowest tally among playoff teams. Facing a win-or-go-home scenario, Charlotte FC will aim to keep their playoff hopes alive by pushing for goals. This aggressive approach could leave them susceptible to Orlando City’s counterattacks, setting the stage for an intense and open game. Expect a thrilling battle as one team fights to stay in the postseason and the other looks to advance to the next round.
Colorado Rapids vs. LA Galaxy: Western Conference Playoff Clash
In the Western Conference, 2-seed LA Galaxy travels to face the 7-seed Colorado Rapids, aiming to secure their place in the Round-of-8. The last encounter between these two sides on Matchday 1 saw LA Galaxy dominate with a commanding 5-0 victory. Stars Riqui Puig, the Spanish international and former Barcelona midfielder, and Serbian forward Dejan Joveljic both delivered standout performances, each contributing two goals and an assist.
Historically, the matchup between the Rapids and the Galaxy has been more evenly balanced, with victories and draws shared between the two sides. However, the Rapids enter this game with recent struggles, having lost their last four regular-season games and suffering a heavy defeat in LA. Colorado will look to turn the tide with a strong performance at home, hoping to force a third game back in Los Angeles. LA Galaxy remains slight favorites, but the Rapids are determined to rally and secure a season-saving result.
