Orlando City's bid for an unexpected playoff spot as an expansion club has taken a hit due to a slump that began last month.
It still sits in much better position than the Philadelphia Union in a tight Eastern Conference race, though.
Orlando looks to deal visiting Philadelphia a fourth consecutive defeat when the clubs meet for the first time Saturday night.
The top six teams in each conference qualify for the postseason, and Orlando (7-10-6) is one point behind Montreal for the East's final spot in its inaugural MLS campaign. That's despite the fact it has gone just 1-4-1 since July 4 after falling 4-1 on Wednesday at Toronto.
Montreal does have three games in hand, but Orlando City has the luxury of not playing as compact of a schedule down the stretch to make up those matches. Nine of Orlando's final 11 games are against East foes, four coming against clubs ahead of it in the playoff race.
Its current slump isn't providing any optimism it can make up ground, though. Orlando City has allowed at least two goals in its last five.
"I thought we were fortunate to still be in the game with the way that we played (in the first half)," coach Adrian Heath said Wednesday. "I was disappointed with the response in the second half.
"We have to get better, and the players who we're bringing in can't come quickly enough."
Orlando acquired forward Adam Bedell from Columbus on Thursday, but it's unclear if he'll play in this contest. His addition could help provide some depth to the Orlando offense, as Cyle Larin (11 goals) and Kaka (nine) have provided the bulk of the club's 32 goals.
Philadelphia (6-13-4) is tied with Chicago for last in the East and is hoping its returning players can provide a spark. Defender Richie Marquez will be back after missing the last two with an ankle injury, and Michael Lahoud should play after missing three months with various leg problems.
Midfielder Vincent Nogueira still is battling a thigh injury, leaving the possibility that Tranquillo Barnetta could start in his MLS debut. The Union signed Barnetta, a Swiss international, July 29.
Sebastien Le Toux scored in last Saturday's 3-1 loss to New York, the Union's third straight defeat. They've been outscored 8-4 in that stretch and have allowed a league-most 40 goals.
"It's a tough task (defending Larin and Kaka)," coach Jim Curtin told the club's official website. "(Larin) is a confident forward and confident forwards are tough to deal with.
"It'll be two teams that are fighting for points and trying to get into the playoffs. As an Eastern Conference game, it's big."
Philadelphia also will be going into a hostile environment at the Citrus Bowl, where Orlando is 4-2-1 since May 17. The Union have dropped four straight on the road and are 1-10-2 away from home since Sept. 27.
