Despite two consecutive draws, Orlando City SC has secured its sixth consecutive MLS playoff berth and surpassed the team record for goals in a season.
After drawing the Columbus Crew, Orlando City SC stands seventh in the MLS Eastern Conference. They’ve clinched the MLS playoffs for the sixth consecutive year.
With the score 1-1, the Lions' goal ensured a point upon their leaving the pitch. Also, they scored their 60th goal. That sets a team record for scores in a single season.
The necessary goal was planned from the beginning by left-back Adrian Marin in his home debut for the Lions. As he advanced with the ball, he noted that the Crew players were conceding space. He saw a chance to set up a one-two pass with striker Luis Muriel. He took the chance.
After passing to Muriel, he ran forward for the finishing part of the one-two. However, the striker saw daylight in the net and fired a shot. Columbus keeper Patrick Schulte saved the shot. However, it rebounded where Lions winger Marco Pasalic could get to it.
Pasalic scored the goal in the 34th minute, which equalized after the 32nd-minute score by Columbus. That was made by Andres Herrera, assisted by Lassi Lappalainen.
So Orlando City players continued to make headway even in a draw. A problem vexing the team in the past was the inability to stay focused and make adjustments in their game strategy when it wasn’t going their way.
Marin emphasized how they overcame this in the match against Columbus. They had practiced for the match, favoring a five-back system. They planned to push the two outside backs up the field to attack. But they noticed from the game’s beginning how the Crew kept them in their defensive area.
So early on, the Lions adjusted to use four backs. That enabled them to counter effectively, move the ball, and keep the game equal.
Soccer isn’t only a theoretical game. Orlando City SC will advance through the 2025 playoffs, recognizing it as a living exercise, adjusting to win.