HARRISON, N.J. (SportsTicker) – Orlando City SC (13-13-6, 45 points) were defeated by New York City FC (15-11-7, 52 points), 2-1, on Sunday afternoon at Red Bull Arena.
The Lions will have a quick turnaround as they are set to face off against intrastate rivals Inter Miami CF on Wednesday night.
The Lions’ lone goal came courtesy of Facundo Torres, who accounted for his team-leading 12th goal across all competitions this season.
His 12 goals and 11 assists make Torres tied with former captain Nani for the Club’s single-season goal contributions record, which is set at 23. Midfielder César Araújo and forward Ercan Kara combined in the buildup play on the Torres finish and recorded their first and third assists of the season, respectively.
City currently sit in sixth place in the Eastern Conference standings with spots five through eight all separated by just one point.
The Club’s two remaining opponents, Inter Miami CF and Columbus Crew, are both in that group of teams vying for the final three playoff spots, making this week’s matches against each key to Orlando’s postseason hunt.
Following the game in Ft. Lauderdale, the Lions close the regular season in a Decision Day meeting with the Crew on Sunday at Exploria Stadium.
