Orlando gets a second playoff push as Orlando City follows Orlando Magic’s path

Orlando went from one playoff push with the Orlando Magic to another now with Orlando City, as they seek their first MLS Playoff berth.

The Wall was ready for what was perhaps Orlando City’s biggest game in the franchise’s short MLS history against their biggest rival.

As the teams gathered for kickoff, the supporter’s section unfurled a giant message. “You and I have unfinished business.” Above it, came the image of Uma Thurman’s “The Bride” from Kill Bill, brandishing her sword, ready to strike and decked out in purple.

It was a big moment in a game that probably did not get the attention it deserved. A U.S. Open Cup semifinal game was the biggest and highest stakes game Orlando City had played since jumping into MLS. And they had their rivals, Atlanta United, in their house no less for it.

American fans have not quite gravitated to the in-season tournament, perhaps something the NBA is studying as it determines whether it can build a similar competition. But the crowd was still lively and engaged with the game.

Atlanta United, as it always seems to when it plays Orlando City, popped that balloon pretty quickly.

The Lions had a goal taken off the board from an offside call and the Five Stripes put their first on the board late in the first half and added another to get a 2-0 win and advance to play Minnesota United in this week’s U.S. Open Cup Final.

Orlando City would suffer disappointment. The Lions remain winless against their upstart rivals, in just their third season in MLS with last year’s MLS Cup in their trophy case.

Unfinished business indeed.

And the beauty of in-season tournaments is that teams get a second chance at a big game. So on comes Atlanta once again. The Five Stripes are on a tear rising to the top of the table in the Eastern Conference. But so too is Orlando City.

With seven games left in the season, Orlando City finds itself tied on points for the final spot in the playoffs with the Montreal Impact. Only one win is keeping the Lions from their first playoff berth. And a difficult path home — especially in the next few weeks — will heighten the team’s need to get results.

That was probably why coach James O’Connor was frustrated after his team conceded a stoppage-time goal at Minnesota on Saturday. Orlando City had the lead after a penalty kick and was holding on behind some incredible play from goalkeeper Brian Rowe. Only then to see a throw-in trickle past defenders in the box and onto the foot of Abu Danladi for the equalizer.

That is soccer. Sometimes the ball just does not bounce your way or you are off by a hair and a game that should be a win turns into a draw.

Two points left on the board. Two points the team cannot get back.

And every point seems critical now as the playoff race tightens. There is no denying Orlando City has a real chance to break through like the Orlando Magic did and make their first postseason.

Orlando City has had a wild season. It started off slow as several new players came into the roster — including former Manchester United star Nani. But those players have started to pay divdends. FC Dallas transfer Tesho Akindele has emerged as the team’s leading scorer, tied with Nani, and has been on an incredible run of player. Defender Ruan has shown some incredible speed along the flank and has anchored a storng defensive unit that has tightened up as the season has gone on.

Things have started to come together.

Since a May win over FC Cincinnati, Orlando City is 6-5-4 (22 points). Essentially splitting wins, losses and draws is the equivalent of being a .500 team. Even in this version of the Eastern Conference, .500 is just about good enough to make the postseason.

The important thing is to get points through wins and draws. With how close the standings are — six points separate fourth place and 10th place with the top seven making the postseason — every win has the potential to upend the standings. Thus the major disappointment from Saturday’s game.

But Friday is a new day. Against a team that is very good in Atlanta United. A rival that Orlando City has yet to beat, much to the chagrin of the supporters in The Wall.

There is clear anticipation for this game because of that rivalry. It will get the national television treatment and a win would feel like a huge boost to a team in need of it. It could be the kind of win that tips the team over and makes this playoff push.

The Magic can certainly attest to what happens when you beat the defending champions at home and what kind of tipping point that can be.

In February last year, in the early rumblings of that 22-9 charge to the playoffs, the Orlando Magic defeated the Golden State Warriors at the Amway Center. It was one of the hallmark wins of the season, cemented with an Aaron Gordon 3-pointer to clinch the victory.

The city rallied behind the team and brought a charged atmosphere to the Amway Center. It was a revival for the Magic.

They certainly will rally around Orlando City. Even with UCF Knights football season preparing to start up. The city can certainly show passion for all of its sports teams. Especially when winning follow.

Orlando City has long had a passionate fan base. The Wall is filled every home game with fans ready to cheer and sing for the full 90. But it is hard not to notice the rest of Exploria Stadium has thinned out as Orlando City has struggled to make the postseason for the first time.

That will quickly change as this playoff push becomes a greater reality.

Orlando City is starting to win again. And win in a real way. Each game has weight to it. Seemingly none more than Friday’s game.

Orlando is back in a playoff race. L

ike the Magic, the Lions are trying to use a late push to get themselves into the postseason. And this team is talented enough to make some noise if they get into the postseason.

Especially if everything seems to fall in the right place — that is the nature of soccer and the MLS Playoffs over the NBA Playoffs.

So while everyone waits for the Magic and the NBA to start back up, Orlando can rev up for another playoff push.

Orlando City is on its drive for its first playoff berth. It has unfinished business.