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Last Chance for Columbus Crew

Reigning MLS Champions Need Help to Reach Playoffs

It has been a very long regular season, but the MLS Playoffs are just around the corner. With three games left, the reigning champion Columbus Crew need a mix of results to stay alive. First and foremost, they need to beat Orlando City on Wednesday night. Second, they need several teams to lose, including New York Red Bulls and Atlanta United.

Don’t expect Orlando to be easy prey, though. They’re still fighting to finish second in the Eastern Conference. Let’s check the latest news, stats, injury reports, and soccer lines and soccer betting for Columbus vs Orlando.

MLS Columbus Crew vs Orlando City
Jeff Dean / AFP
  • Competition: MLS Regular Season
  • Location: Lower.com Field, Ohio
  • Time: Wednesday, 7:30 p.m. ET
  • TV: FOX 35 Plus
  • Live Stream: MLS Live on ESPN+

Major League Soccer Betting Lines

Team Handicap Moneyline Over/Under Team Total
Columbus Crew -½ +125 +125 2½ -120o 1½ +105o/-135u
Orlando City +½ -155 +220 2½ -110u 1½ +180o/-230u
Draw +240

Head to Head

  • Previous Matches: 15
  • Columbus Crew Victories: 5 (24 goals)
  • Orlando City Victories: 7 (25 goals)
  • Draws: 3

The last time they met, the total went over, just like we predicted. Orlando City won 3-2 at Exploria Stadium with goals from Daryl Dike, Silvester van der Water and Junior Urso. The Columbus Crew fought bravely. They were able to level things during the second half, but it wasn’t enough.

We’re talking about a very even series. Orlando won five of their last 10 meetings, while Columbus won four. The Crew scored 15 goals while City scored 14. Both finished with a clean sheet in two of those games.

Columbus beat Orlando for the last time in 2018.

Do or Die

The reigning champions have improved over the last few weeks, but it might not be enough. Columbus currently sits in 11th place with 38 points thanks to a 10-8-13 record, 38 goals for and 42 against. They’re five points behind seventh place, the last one to grant a ticket to the postseason.

Most recently, they lost 2-1 to the Red Bulls in a crucial game. They simply can’t afford to lose against Orlando, otherwise all hope will die.

“Until we’re mathematically eliminated, we keep our heads up and we keep playing. No matter if the results matter or not, we still have to come out and play and give a little bit more effort and a little more toughness,” said head coach Ezra Hendrickson to the press.

That mentality is what still makes them a dangerous opponent and a tempting betting online option. They’ve been a much more competitive side when playing at home. They’re 8-3-4 (2-5-9 on the road), 8-6-1 against the spread and 12-3 over/under.

Not having Gyasi Zardes, the team’s top scorer, makes things a little more difficult, but they’ve talent to spare. Lucas Zelarayan and Miguel Berry are more than capable to carry the load when it comes to attack.

Not Safe Yet

Orlando City has had a great season, but hasn’t clinched a spot in the playoffs. They currently sit in fourth place with 47 points thanks to a 12-11-8 record, 45 goals for and 44 against. That’s why they also must go all-in. They could clinch a spot in the postseason by winning, plus some other results.

Most recently, they drew 2-2 vs the Eastern Conference-leading New England Revolution. Scores and odds have been on their side lately; they haven’t lost in their last five games.

Expect Orlando City to play well in Ohio. They’ve scored in 93 percent of their road games. Overall, they’ve scored in 10 consecutive matches. They’ve been better when playing at home, but they own a decent 4-5-6 record on the road. They also are 7-5-3 against the spread and 7-6-2 over/under.

Nani and Dike are one of the most dangerous attacking duos in the league. Nani leads the team in scoring with 10 goals while Dyke has scored seven goals. Both are extremely quick and effective in front of goal.

This is a team that fights until the end. They’ve scored most of their goals in the last 15 minutes of the game. To advance to the postseason you need talent, courage and resilience, Orlando City have it all.

Final Analysis, Predictions

I expect nothing less than a back-and-forth battle. Both have talent to spare and are in a must-win situation. Momentum is on Orlando City’s side, but you can’t underestimate the heart of a champion. I also expect both to score and the total to go over.

Don’t forget to check the props our sportsbook is offering for this and other games to increase your winning chances. Both teams to score is offering a -140 price. Take it.

Score Prediction: Columbus Crew 2, Orlando City 2

Pick: Draw (+240)

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