Orlando City hosts NYCFC in matchup of East contenders

Tied for the playoff-qualifying fifth place in the MLS East, Orlando City (10-10-6, 36 points) will meet thirdplace New York City FC (13-7-6, 45 points) at Exploria Stadium on Sunday at 7:30 p.m.

“Here we are in front of another massive game against New York City,” Lions coach Oscar Pareja said. “A rival who come from their prior game in Chicago with a big three [points] as well after dealing with some challenges. [They play] with a structure of 4-2-3-1 and with players that we know already and have had prior competitions with.”

The Lions are coming off a 2-1 road victory over 2022 expansion side Charlotte FC.

They were backed by second-half goals from forwards Ercan Kara and Tesho Akindele.

Facundo Torres and Júnior Urso combined for the assist on Kara’s 62nd-minute goal while Akindele’s goal served as the game-winner coming in the 89th minute with a smooth finish off his own rebound.

The victory boosted the Lions above the playoff line, going from ninth to fifth.

“We have the same mentality to just keep adding points and stay committed to getting a win at home that we need so badly in front of our fans and continue this momentum of good results and performances,” Pareja said.

NYCFC is coming off a 2-0 victory over the Chicago Fire on Sunday night.

The Pigeons were backed by goals from Gabriel Pereira in the 16th minute and Santiago Rodríguez in the 46th. NYCFC interim coach Nick Cushing took over the team on June 13 after previous manager Ronny Deila joined Belgian side Standard Liège.

NYCFC is 5-5-4 record across all competitions since Cushing took over.

After Sunday’s match, the Lions will host the Seattle Sounders on Wednesday at 7:30 p.m.