After securing their first-ever MLS Cup playoff win in Game 2, Charlotte FC will travel to Orlando City for Game 3 on Saturday, aiming to clinch their first series victory.
The winner of Saturday’s decisive match will advance to the Eastern Conference semifinals.
Charlotte goalkeeper Kristijan Kahlina made two saves in a 3-1 shootout following a scoreless draw in regulation on Nov. 1, forcing the deciding match in the best-of-three series.
Despite the Lions controlling possession for the majority of the first 120 minutes, it was Charlotte that held a 3-1 advantage in shots on goal during Game 2.
Saturday’s match will be the fifth meeting between the two clubs this season. Charlotte coach Dean Smith knows there won’t be many surprises when the two sides meet on the pitch in Orlando.
“We know a lot about each other,” Smith said. “The funny thing with these playoff games is we didn’t play well, and they played well at their place, and they won. We played well at our place, and they didn’t play that well and we won. It’ll be interesting if we both bring our A game on Saturday and see who can win that.”
Orlando has won both home matches against Charlotte this season, outscoring them 4-0.
Forward Facundo Torres and midfielder Martin Ojeda scored in the 2-0 victory in the series opener on Oct. 28.
Orlando, who went 7-6-4 at home during the MLS regular season, earned the right to host Saturday’s deciding match as the fourth seed in the Eastern Conference.
“We did a good job during the season to earn (home field) and when things get tight, using that advantage (is important),” Orlando coach Oscar Pareja said. “It’s at home, playing at home in front of our fans and being with them, we have to use it from our end.”
–Field Level Media