2020 MLS Regular Season – Week 17
Orlando City SC vs. Columbus Crew SC
Exploria Stadium – Orlando
October 11 – 7:30 PM ET
STREAMING: MLS LIVE on ESPN+ in US; on DAZN in Canada
LOCAL TV: SportsTime Ohio , FOX 35 Plus
Orlando City SC will put a 10-match unbeaten streak on the line when they host Columbus Crew SC at Exploria Stadium Sunday night.
Orlando City SC (8W-2L-6D) are fourth in the Eastern Conference following a 0-0 draw against Atlanta United, just one point behind Columbus (9W-3L-4D), which are now winless in their last three after a shock 2-1 loss to the Montreal Impact.
The Lions have won the last two meetings in Orlando, including a 1-0 victory courtesy of a Benji Michel late winner last July.
Orlando City SC
Brian Rowe admirably filled in for Pedro Gallese, who was called in for Peru’s upcoming World Cup qualifiers. Rowe, last year’s starter, made three point-preserving saves in his first appearance since Oct. 6, 2019. And Atlanta goalkeeper Brad Guzan was forced into making six saves with OCSC twice hitting woodwork.
Now, the Lions can make a statement against a Crew SC team that has been one of the best in the league this year.
“It’s not just the three points (at stake), it’s the message we can lay down after facing Columbus," Oscar Pareja told reporters on a virtual press conference Friday. "They’re one of the most consistent teams in the league.”
- Updated team roster
- Injury Report:
- OUT: Dom Dwyer (F) - knee injury
- OUT: Joao Moutinho (D) - groin injury
- OUT: Uri Rosell (M) - undisclosed injury
- OUT: Tesho Akindele (F) - undisclosed injury
- OUT: Mauricio Pereyra (M) - undisclosed injury
- Suspended: None
- Suspended after next caution: Joao Moutinho (D), Mauricio Pereyra (M), Rodrigo Schlegel (D)
- International duty: Jhegson Sebastian Mendez (M), Pedro Gallese (HK)
Columbus Crew SC
Just a few weeks ago, the Crew were riding a six-match unbeaten streak and were atop the Eastern Conference and Supporters' Shield standings. Now with two losses in their last three, including a 2-1 defeat to the Impact, Columbus find themselves clinging to third place with the Lions and NYCFC charging hard at them.
“When you’ve had a good season like we’ve had, everybody is looking for the low moment. Right now our low moment is here upon us," Caleb Porter said. "But you have to keep it in perspective and keep your head on right. Let’s be honest, we’ve lost a game, drawn a game and lost a game. If this is our low moment, we’ll take that. Other teams have lots of lower moments. ... We’ll get through this period, we may not win every game, but we’re not worried or concerned. We know where we’re at and we know what we’re capable of.”
- Updated team roster
- Injury Report:
- OUT: Vito Wormgoor (D) - ankle injury
- OUT: Darlington Nagbe (M) - undisclosed injury
- OUT: Eloy Room (GK) - undisclosed injury
- OUT: Lucas Zelarayan (M) - hamstring strain
- Suspended: None
- Suspended after next caution: None
- International duty: None
Series Matchup at Orlando City SC
- Orlando City SC: 3 wins, 12 goals
- Crew: 2 wins, 11 goals
- 2 draws
Officials
- Referee: Rosendo Mendoza
- Assistant Referees: Claudiu Badea, Tom Felice
- 4th Official: Marcos de Oliveira
- VAR: Victor Rivas
