Perelman relishing 'stressful' end to Orlando's MLS campaign

Martin Perelman described the end of Orlando City SC's MLS season as "the most stressful" part of the campaign, but he insisted his team are ready for what lies ahead.

Orlando are sixth in the Eastern Conference, but just two points clear of 10th-place Toronto FC heading into their clash at Inter.co Stadium this weekend.

The Lions came from a goal down to beat Atlanta United 3-2 in their last league outing, with Antoine Griezmann leading the comeback with goals in either half.

David Brekalo's own goal gave Atlanta the lead before Ivan Angulo and Griezmann turned the game on its head, with Tyrese Spicer also turning into his own net in stoppage time.

Toronto is the first of 10 regular-season matches remaining for Orlando, and Perelman acknowledged the importance of performing well over the next couple of months.

"I think, again, we’re in a process. We go into the last part of the season, the most stressful, beautiful and important moment of the season, and we're ready to go," Perelman said.

"We will fight with our weapons and our organisation, the talent of our players and the effort.

"I think it’s about this, game by game, trying to solve every game, because every game we need to win."

Toronto, meanwhile, left it late to snatch all three points against high-flying Nashville SC, with Emilio Aristizabal scoring a 93rd-minute winner in a 2-1 victory.

Niklas Dorsch's own goal had put Nashville ahead after just three minutes, but Toronto hit back in the 72nd minute through Daniel Salloi, setting up a tense finish.

And just when the spoils looked set to be shared, Aristizabal popped up with the winner to keep Toronto in the playoff hunt. They are level on points with New York City FC in ninth.

But despite extending their unbeaten run in MLS play, Toronto boss Robin Fraser expects a difficult team against an Orlando side he expects to be "stinking hot".

"Orlando's going to be just stinking hot," Fraser said. "So certainly, we had to have one eye on the weekend. With a three-game week, fatigue and soreness and things setting in.

"This is why we have a team. It was gratifying to see that as the subs went in, we maintained the level, and if anything, picked it up.

"I feel like this is a group that as we grow and we evolve; we get more confident. You can't really expect to stop [Nashville].

"They've been doing extremely well, and they're so far ahead in the league. And there's a reason why. It's because they're good."

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Orlando City – Antoine Griezmann

Griezmann scored his seventh and eighth goals across all competitions against Atlanta last time out, which also marked the second brace of his Orlando career.

The Frenchman has now logged eight goal contributions for the Lions over his last five matches, and he will be out to continue his fine form.

His 10 goal involvements (seven goals, three assists) in nine MLS outings also surpassed Nani's record for the most goal contributions in their first nine league games for Orlando.

Toronto – Daniel Salloi

After a goal and an assist against Nashville, Salloi moved himself up to 16 goal involvements this season (seven goals, nine assists), more than any other Toronto player.

The Hungarian has now been directly involved in a goal (three goals, four assists) in six consecutive MLS matches, so he will be one player for Orlando to look out for.

MATCH PREDICTION: ORLANDO CITY WIN

This match-up has been tough to call in recent seasons, with Toronto just edging the rivalry, winning 11 of the 26 matches they have played against Orlando (D5 L10).

And Fraser's side come into the clash with confidence after extending their unbeaten league run to seven matches (W3 D4), which has boosted their playoff hopes.

However, Orlando have been impressive at Inter.co Stadium of late. They have lost just one of their last eight league matches at home (W5 D2).

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

Orlando City – 51.7%

Draw – 22%

Toronto – 26.3%