Orlando City player highlights chance to face Messi with one more MLS playoff win | OneFootball

The pressure and excitement of the playoffs in Major League Soccer once again for Rafael Santos, for his second season with Orlando City. And now is not a bad time to talk about his team's good performance, besides the unusual format of the MLS playoffs that has raised so much interest.

In the U.S., soccer has its own characteristic; besides, the format of the MLS is a knockout, different from Liberta or Champions League competition. The playoffs will not be decided upon by a single elimination or home-and-away matches, but rather by a best-of-three series. This means each team that participates should win two games to proceed, either in regular time or by penalties. According to Rafael Santos, it looks like a peculiar format, which is at the same time able to make the tournament well-balanced and exciting.

Unique Best-of-Three Format in MLS Playoffs

For those who have been accustomed to two-legged ties, this format of MLS playoffs perhaps sounds a little weird. However, for Rafael Santos, this is just the format that inspires teams for more offensive games, even when they're on a visit.

"MLS has a different format, best-of-three series, but I think that creates more balance and competitiveness. With this format, teams go out there to win, even when they're playing away, since a draw leads to penalties," Rafael says. It makes sense: with the elimination of the option for a draw without consequences, this setup would force every team to rise to the occasion and go all out for the win, chasing that goal at every moment.

With such competition, every match becomes a struggle of importance. The upcoming Orlando City vs. Charlotte FC is just the perfect example. The series is tied now, and it will be all decided in game three. Only a win is promised to move forward, making each touch, each pass, each shot a moment of added pressure.

A Potential Showdown with Messi, Suárez

If Orlando City defeats Charlotte, then Rafael Santos and company might find themselves up against no less than Inter Miami with Messi and Suárez. Yes, you have read that right. With Orlando advancing, it is very likely they will go in against the same team that has put MLS into international light.

Barring Messi himself, Inter Miami have bigger names, and a match up against them is always a big event. Rafael Santos has spoken already about how prepared they have to be for such a situation. Orlando City have grown at just the right time this season, but going up against a side like Inter Miami would be a real acid test on how much they've really evolved.

We've improved along the season, just like last year. It's an important moment, and we need confidence because that's when we put ourselves into the fight for bigger goals in the league," says Rafael about the progress his team has made during the season. Playing against a team with Messi and Suarez on it is an enormous test, but he feels Orlando City does have what it takes to compete at a high level.

Orlando City on the Rise: Perfect Timing

The thing is, Orlando City's Rafael Santos believes the team is peaking just in time. Throughout the course of the season, the team has matured, then found its rhythm, and it's heading into the playoffs with momentum on its side. In fact, what makes Orlando such a tough opponent recently combines excellent defense with a harmonious approach to offense, especially when playing on home ground.

We know it's going to be yet another difficult and tight match, just like the rest of the series has been. We do have to enjoy this home-field advantage to qualify," says the left-back from Brazil. Now, playing at home is one strong point for Orlando City. The energy of the fans electrifies the team; turning it into a fortress in the stadium, Rafael knows that energy will make a difference when it matters the most.

It's the confidence that's needed when it comes to the playoffs. In best-of-three series, mental toughness and strength become as important as technical skills. And with his experience, Rafael Santos knows very well how one must stay focused and cool during those critical junctures. The possibility of facing Inter Miami in the next round adds extra motivation to secure victory this Saturday.