Perelman backs Orlando to reset against Columbus after three straight defeats

Orlando seek a fresh start in a crowded playoff race

Orlando City will try to end a three-game losing streak when they face Columbus Crew, with both clubs competing for position in the Eastern Conference playoff race. Interim head coach Martin Perelman said the team was ready to put its recent results behind it.

The Lions’ losing run began with a 2-1 defeat to Columbus in the U.S. Open Cup semi-finals on September 16, followed by 4-2 MLS losses to New England Revolution and Philadelphia Union. Orlando entered the international break seventh in the East, holding the final automatic playoff place, but several rivals were close behind: three teams were within a point and three more, including Columbus, were within five.

“Every game is a new chapter. Every game is a new story, a different context, sometimes a different competition,” Perelman said. “We focus on us. We focus on our team. Everybody will be ready to compete.”

Columbus arrive with back-to-back wins

The Crew have won consecutive matches for only the second time this season, beating CF Montreal 2-0 and Inter Miami 2-1. Interim coach Laurent Courtois said the victory over Miami was valuable both for the points and the performance heading into a short break, adding that it would give his players confidence.

Columbus’ late winner against Miami came from Jamal Thiare, whose goal was timed at 97:47. Orlando’s Ivan Angulo also made a decisive contribution in the loss to Philadelphia, scoring and providing an assist. Angulo has recorded five goals and seven assists this season, while Martin Ojeda leads Orlando with 13 goals and two assists.

Orlando favoured at home despite defensive concerns

Orlando have won their last three MLS home games and hold a narrow edge in the regular-season series against Columbus, with 10 wins, six draws and eight losses. The Lions have also gone three MLS meetings unbeaten against the Crew, although their two most recent defeats—both 4-2—left them tied with Cincinnati for the second-most goals conceded in the league at the time of the report.

The match outlook gives Orlando a 44.1% chance of victory, compared with 29.1% for Columbus and 26.8% for a draw. The Crew’s recent momentum gives the visitors reason for confidence, but Orlando’s home form offers Perelman’s side a chance to turn the page in a consequential playoff-race meeting.