Probability shows Orlando City SC against Toronto for first post-season match

• First round bye most likely for Orlando City
• Toronto FC will come in with a little fight
• A focused Orlando will go far

 Jul 3, 2024; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto FC defender Shane O'Neill (27) battles for the ball with Orlando City forward Duncan McGuire (13) during the second half at BMO Field. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images
Jul 3, 2024; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto FC defender Shane O'Neill (27) battles for the ball with Orlando City forward Duncan McGuire (13) during the second half at BMO Field. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images | Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images

After only five more games, Orlando City SC heads to the MLS post-season in the Eastern Conference.

When this MLS season started, supporters were divided. It was unlikely that Orlando City SC would head to this year’s post-season competition, or it was completely impossible.

The first 10 games of the season, Orlando City went 2-5-3.

Then coaches analyzed what opponents had that Orlando didn’t. So the team executed drill after drill, simulated match after simulated match.

In the latest 10 matches, Orlando City has a record of 7-2-1. Overall, that record is 12-10-7. The team has risen to fourth in the MLS Eastern Conference. While they are tied in points with New York Red Bulls at 43, they have 12 wins to New York’s 10.

This is where Playoff Status comes in. Reviewing all the skills Orlando City developed to turn their season around, this group has put together the scenario leading to the second round.

For the first round, the group places almost 100% certainty that Orlando City will have a bye. This time will be used to prepare for their first opponent.

The highest probably will be Toronto FC. At this time Toronto rests barely above the play-in part of the MLS playoff line. Their record after 30 games is 11-6-3. After their expected play-in win, this doesn’t mean that Toronto will be a pushover.

In their previous meeting, Orlando defeated Toronto 2-1. But FC scored on City first. By the 27th minute, Orlando equalized and went ahead by what turned out to be the final score on an own goal in the 45th minute.

Although Toronto hit the accelerator and kept Orlando from scoring again, City gave them all the defensive strategy they could handle.

It will be a long, tough post-season. All Orlando City SC has to do is stay focused, and drilled, and take it one opponent at a time. They’ll go far.