Orlando City SC head coach Oscar Pareja talks with Nicolas Lodeiro #14 of Orlando City SC
Orlando City SC’s 2024 regular season ended with less fanfare than expected, but there’s no denying the firepower this team is bringing into the MLS playoffs. Despite a rocky start to the season, the Lions transformed into one of the most dangerous teams in the league, closing out the season with the best run of any MLS squad and solidifying their position in the postseason.
The team announced “All Teeth” as their rallying cry for the playoffs, a fitting mantra given their fierce resurgence. Orlando City SC’s final two regular-season losses may not have been the high note they wanted to finish on, but it capped a turnaround that saw them rocket up the standings with a 10-3-1 record since July 1.
Their season began with an underwhelming 2-5-3 record through the first 10 games, leaving fans to wonder what had happened to the squad that found success in prior campaigns. But Head Coach Oscar Pareja and his team dug deep, refining their strategy and rediscovering their offensive rhythm. This effort paid off, as the Lions went on to set a new franchise record with 55 goals, surpassing last year’s squad as the most prolific offensive team in Orlando City history.
Now sitting in fourth place in the MLS Eastern Conference, Orlando City has qualified for the playoffs for the fifth consecutive season under Pareja, becoming one of only three active MLS teams to achieve such a feat. As a reward for their efforts, they’ll host Charlotte FC in the opening round of the playoffs in a best-of-three series, with the potential for a decisive third game also being played at home if necessary.
The matchup with Charlotte will be a familiar one. The two teams met twice during the regular season, resulting in a 2-2 draw and a 2-0 shutout victory for the Lions. Orlando knows Charlotte can be a tough out. In the shutout win, Charlotte’s defense blocked half of Orlando’s shots and executed 11 clearances, with Orlando’s goalkeeper Pedro Gallese playing a standout game. Gallese even recorded an assist, adding to his reputation as one of the best in MLS.
One of the goals in that win came from star forward Facundo Torres, who has been crucial to Orlando’s success. Torres broke the franchise’s all-time scoring record this season, netting his 45th career goal for the Lions. With 18 goals on the year, he also tied the team’s single-season goal record. His leadership and scoring ability will be essential as Orlando looks to make a deep postseason push.
The Lions will need every ounce of their late-season momentum as they enter the playoffs, with Gallese, Torres, and the rest of the squad ready to punch the accelerator and prove their mettle. Orlando City SC fans are counting on another strong playoff run, and with their “All Teeth” mindset, this team looks primed to deliver.
