Orlando City SC interim head coach Martin Perelman was disappointed to only walk away with a point against FC Cincinnati and is hoping for an improvement against the Chicago Fire.
Orlando have had a strong recent record at home and managed to come from behind to salvage a 1-1 draw with Cincinnati last time out at Inter.co Stadium.
It is a point that means Orlando sit 10th in the Eastern Conference, and they are now just three points off D.C. United in the final play-off place.
Perelman, who saw his side put together a strong run in the Leagues Cup, was impressed with elements of Orlando’s approach to the Cincinnati game, especially against such a strong opponent.
“Well, it was a very tough team, tough game,” Perelman said after the Cincinnati draw.
“As we expected against Cincinnati, it’s always like this. They have a very strong offence. I think it’s one of the best teams in the league attacking, so we knew who we were facing as well.
“We know that we are very strong at home. I think we created chances. At moments, the game was very open. They had chances as well. We always want to win at home. But again, taking into account the opponent, the game and everything, I think the effort of the players was there.
“We need to take the point and move forward because this league is long and we are still there. The standings: we look at the end. We move forward for the next one.”
As for Chicago, they earned a second consecutive 2-1 victory last time out, beating the Portland Timbers thanks to two first-half goals.
The Fire, who are through to the quarter-finals of the Leagues Cup, are looking to keep the pressure on the top two in the East, as they sit six points behind Inter Miami, and 11 off leaders Nashville SC.
Spice shining bright @Heineken_US | #VamosOrlando pic.twitter.com/8UbJGzehdn
— Orlando City SC (@OrlandoCitySC) August 17, 2026
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Orlando City SC – Tyrese Spicer
Tyrese Spicer has now scored in each of his last three MLS games, netting three goals in total.
In top-scorer Martin Ojeda’s absence, Spicer led the team for shots (six) and expected goals (0.76 xG), while also having the second-most touches in the opposition box (eight) and creating three chances.
Chicago Fire – Robin Lod
Robin Lod netted his fourth goal of the campaign to open the scoring for Chicago in their 2-1 win over the Portland Timbers last time out.
He contested the most duels (10), though only won two of them, but he shone at the other end of the pitch, getting both of his attempts on target.
MATCH PREDICTION: CHICAGO FIRE WIN
Chicago have had the better of the meetings between these sides recently, going unbeaten in their last three MLS clashes with Orlando. Should the Lions win, it would be their first triumph over the Fire since June 2024.
Orlando are unbeaten in their last five home matches in the league (W3 D2), though they drew their most recent such match 1-1 with FC Cincinnati last time out.
After back-to-back losses following the World Cup break, Chicago have regained their winning rhythm, winning their last two games. However, both of those victories came on home soil, while they have lost their last three on the road.
OPTA WIN PROBABILITY
Orlando City SC – 34.1%
Draw – 23.3%
Chicago Fire – 42.6%
