Tuesday's slate at the MLS is Back Tournament will be action-packed, with two Group A matchups in the evening following a crucial Group B tilt for breakfast. Here's your quick rundown on what to expect and why the games could be particularly impactful for each team.
NYCFC vs. Orlando
8:00 PM ET – TUDN, Twitter; TSN in Canada
The Cityzens are winless in three MLS matches under head coach Ronny Deila, midfield maestro Maxi Moralez is facing several weeks out and Alexandru Mitrita may again be missing with an injury of his own. That makes this close to a must-win for NYCFC. Orlando will look to capitalize on that in Group A after a 2-1 victory over Inter Miami to begin the tournament handed Oscar Pareja his first win as Lions’ head coach. These 2015 expansion clubs both have new leadership, and could be heading in opposite directions in the MLS is Back Tournament based on Tuesday’s result. Beyond the three points, this matchup could seal both of their group-stage fates.
Philadelphia Union vs. Inter Miami
10:30 pm ET – TUDN, Twitter; TSN in Canada
Philadelphia rode an Alejandro Bedoya goal and clutch Andre Blake saves to a 1-0 win over NYCFC, while Miami coughed up an early lead to lose 2-1 against their Florida rivals Orlando City. That places all the pressure on Diego Alonso’s group, with the expansion team yet to win in three MLS tries. It’ll also be worth seeing if Rodolfo Pizarro starts after the Mexican star came off the bench in the tournament opener. But Philly’s a club on the rise and a second straight win could move them atop Group A and into the knockout rounds. They have aspirations of being a premier MLS team, and Tuesday provides another chance to support those aims.
