A high-stakes Eastern Conference MLS battle is brewing on Friday night as Columbus Crew welcome Orlando City SC to MAPFRE Stadium, just before the 2025 Leagues Cup kicks off. With both sides jostling for prime playoff real estate, expect fireworks in a matchup that could shape the second half of their MLS campaigns.
The Crew enter this clash riding a wave of confidence, especially at home, where they've turned MAPFRE into a fortress. Nine wins in their last 14 appearances on their own turf underline just how tough they've made life for visiting teams. Their latest outing, a composed win over D.C. United, kept them firmly in the postseason conversation, and they’ll be eager to tighten their grip on a top-half spot before the Leagues Cup break.
Orlando, however, have built a reputation as road warriors in recent weeks. Four victories from their last six away games in all competitions speak volumes about their resilience and rhythm on the road. Their recent 2-1 win over the New England Revolution lifted them to sixth in the table, and with just a three-point gap separating them from the chasing pack, every result feels like a cup final.
Here, GOAL brings you everything you need to know about how to watch, including TV channel, streaming details and more.
How to watch Columbus Crew vs Orlando City online - TV channels & live streams
 | Apple TV | Watch here |
In the United States (US) and worldwide, the MLS match between Columbus Crew and Orlando City will be available to watch and stream online live on Apple TV through the MLS Season Pass.
Check out GOAL's Live Match Centre for updates.
How to watch anywhere with VPN
If you are abroad, you may need to use a virtual private network (VPN) in order to watch games using your usual streaming service. A VPN, such as NordVPN, allows you to establish a secure connection online when streaming. If you are not sure which VPN to use, check out GOAL's guide to the best VPNs for streaming sport.
Columbus Crew vs Orlando City kick-off time
The MLS match between Columbus Crew and Orlando City will be played at Lower.com Field in Columbus, Ohio, United States.
It will kick off at 4:30 pm PT / 7:30 pm ET on Friday, July 25, in the US.
Team news & squads
Columbus Crew vs Orlando City lineups
4-4-2
Formation
4-4-2
ORLCOL-Line up
COLSubstitutes
Manager
W. Nancy
ORL-Line up
ORLSubstitutes
Manager
O. Pareja
Injuries and Suspended players
Injuries and Suspensions
- No sidelined players
Injuries and Suspensions
- No sidelined players
Columbus Crew team news
In terms of personnel, Columbus are still nursing injuries to four senior players, with Mohamed Farsi the latest to be sidelined.
That said, Abrahim Aliyu stepped in admirably against D.C. and is likely to retain his spot on the right. Up front, Jacen Russell-Rowe is expected to reclaim his starting role, edging out young Taha Habroune.
Orlando City team news
As for Orlando, they're in better shape health-wise, with just Joran Gerbet and striker Duncan McGuire unavailable.
All eyes will once again be on Martín Ojeda, who was the difference-maker in their victory over New England, a performance that reinforced Orlando's reputation as one of the most dangerous travelers in the league.
Form
COL-Form
COLColumbus Crew
2
-
1
DC United
W
Nashville SC
3
-
0
Columbus Crew
L
FC Cincinnati
2
-
4
Columbus Crew
W
Seattle Sounders FC
1
-
1
Columbus Crew
D
Columbus Crew
1
-
0
Philadelphia Union
W
- Goal Scored (Conceded)
- 8/7
- Games over 2.5 goals
- 3/5
- Both teams scored
- 3/5
ORL-Form
ORLNew England Revolution
1
-
2
Orlando City
W
Orlando City
1
-
2
New York City FC
L
Orlando City
1
-
1
CF Montreal
D
Charlotte FC
2
-
2
Orlando City
D
Orlando City
1
-
2
FC Cincinnati
L
- Goal Scored (Conceded)
- 7/8
- Games over 2.5 goals
- 4/5
- Both teams scored
- 5/5
Head-to-Head Record
COLLast 5 matches
ORL3
Wins
1
Draw
1
Win
Columbus Crew
4
-
3
Orlando City
Orlando City
0
-
2
Columbus Crew
Orlando City
0
-
2
Columbus Crew
Orlando City
4
-
3
Columbus Crew
Columbus Crew
2
-
2
Orlando City
Goals scored
9- Games over 2.5 goals
- 3/5
- Both teams scored
- 3/5