Orlando City SC defeated New England Revolution 1-0 at home on the final day of the 2026 Major League Soccer regular season. The victory secured Orlando City SC a home match in the MLS Cup Playoffs Wild Card round. Orlando City SC will host FC Cincinnati on Thursday, Nov. 19, with the kickoff time to be determined.
Orlando City SC entered the match in ninth place, which would have sent the club to an away match against Columbus Crew. That position shifted during the final 90 minutes as results around the league changed the playoff picture. Orlando City SC ultimately secured the home assignment and will have just under two weeks to prepare for the one-game Wild Card match, which will be broadcast on Apple TV.
Orlando City scores before halftime
Orlando City SC held New England Revolution scoreless through the opening 44 minutes while managing several counterattacks. Wilder Cartagena started at center-back while filling in for the suspended Iago. The match remained level until Orlando City SC broke through in the 45th minute.
A midfielder converted a loose ball after a cleared corner and put Orlando City SC ahead. The finish recalled Sebas Méndez’s 2021 Decision Day goal for Orlando City SC in Montréal, Canada. The 1-0 advantage gave Orlando City SC the margin it needed to secure the home playoff match.
Defensive changes preserve the lead
Adrián Marín replaced Wilder Cartagena at center-back in the second half. Marín moved from fullback into the central defensive role as Orlando City SC continued to protect its lead. New England Revolution finished with two shots on target.
Joran Gerbet, Daryl Dike and Griffin Dorsey entered as substitutes during the match. The substitutes helped Orlando City SC close out the result and secure the home Wild Card assignment. The club will now turn its attention to FC Cincinnati and the Nov. 19 playoff meeting.
Crépeau reaches season milestones
Goalkeeper Maxime Crépeau recorded his fifth shutout of the 2026 season in the victory. That total was the third-most shutouts of his nine-year Major League Soccer career. Crépeau also finished the season with 137 saves, the most in his MLS career.
Crépeau’s shutout provided the final defensive margin in a one-goal match. Orlando City SC limited New England Revolution to two shots on target while protecting the lead. The performance sent the club into the postseason with a home Wild Card match secured.
Jansson receives home sendoff
The victory also provided a postgame moment for Orlando City SC captain Robin Jansson. Jansson announced his retirement earlier in the week and received a ceremony after the home shutout. He addressed the crowd following eight years in purple.
Jansson’s ceremony came after Orlando City SC secured the result needed to remain home for the Wild Card round. The club will host FC Cincinnati in the one-game playoff match on Thursday, Nov. 19. The kickoff time remains to be determined, and the match will be available on Apple TV.
FSB Take
Orlando City SC turned a ninth-place starting position into a home Wild Card match instead of an away meeting with Columbus Crew. The club did so by combining a first-half goal with a defensive effort that held New England Revolution to two shots on target. That defensive structure will be important when Orlando City SC hosts FC Cincinnati in the one-game playoff match.
Source: Original report