For what has already been an exciting season for Orlando City, Adrian Heath has yet to find a set starting 11 that provides both discipline in the back and quality finishing up top. After injuries in recent weeks to the heart of the midfield which includes holding midfielder Darwin Ceren and captain Kaka, Heath had to adjust his midfield spine and personnel.
Although Orlando is coming off of a huge comeback victory on the road against New York City FC, where they rescued a point at the end of the game, Orlando has struggled to defend this season.
Orlando City have found itself down late into added time more than once, but with the help of Carlos Rivas and Cyle Larin, the Lions have rescued points against tough Eastern Conference opponents.
After two months into the regular season, it is time Orlando City learn from last year’s mistakes. And it is crucial the Lions improve in four categories when they return to MLS action this weekend.
1) Defend, Defend, Defend!
Despite all of Orlando’s attacking threats, this team has struggled heavily to defend for 90 minutes.
Goalkeeper Joe Bendik has been a wonderful signing from Toronto FC. Bendik, who has made huge saves for Orlando City throughout the season, cannot continue to be the best player in the back. There are two bright spots for Orlando. Both Rafael Ramos and Tommy Redding continue to impress as young defenders and have been strong pillars.
But the weak spot in this defense continues to be Brek Shea.
The MLS Veteran and U.S. National Team player continues to get caught too high up the pitch and has looked vulnerable at times versus some of MLS’s best players. His conversion to left back has not worked out perfectly in every case.
But Shea is not the only defender who must perform better. Seb Hines, one of Orlando City’s leaders, has been beaten by pace and skill early and often throughout this season.
It is time for Heath to find his back four. Whether it is moving Shea up the pitch into an outside midfield position, or allowing Kevin Alston to play more minutes out wide, the performances in the back need to improve.
No matter who is back there, the back four needs time to grow as they push for a top spot in the Eastern Conference.
2) Larin and Kaka Must Get going
Last year’s MLS Rookie of The Year and former FIFA Ballon d’Or winner have provided bright moments at times for this Orlando City team, but they have not performed consistently and effectively on the road.
Kaka has been hampered somewhat with injury, having picked up both a thigh injury and groin strain so far this season. He is expected to find form and show why he is the most threatening center attacking midfielder in the MLS. The injury suffered during Copa America training certainly does not help.
As he regains his form, it will be crucial the MLS all star show how dangerous he can be in the final third.
Larin continues to lead the team with seven goals. He must continue to produce.
Fortunately for the Lions, Kevin Molino continues to gain confidence and fitness and has netted six goals on the year. The Lions will need Molino’s presence in the box as they move forward, and after a horrible injury in 2015, the winger finds himself as a key player in every lineup.
3) Play Carlos Rivas!
Throughout his entire time with Orlando City, Adrian Heath has been forced to make changes to the starting 11. The problem, Heath struggles to bring on the right sub in important moments in a match.
Carlos Rivas is a game changer for this team offensively, but can prove to be a risk as he leaves acres of space behind him for opponents to run into and compromise the full back. The Colombian is still rather inexperienced and that has hindered his ability to start in the MLS.
While he certainly has the ability to create with both pace and set pieces, Orlando City’s super sub at times lacks poise and decision making within the box. Ultimately, Rivas must be given more chances. His pace is an attribute few opponents can match late in a game. Rivas proved that with a wonderful equalizer against the New England Revolution and a whipping cross to help set up Molino with the equalizer against New York City FC.
4) Start Strong
Orlando must find form in the first half as the team moves forward. Too many times this team has had to rescue points late into added time. Heath must demand 90 strong minutes from his entire starting 11.
The Lions impressed against last year’s MLS Champions Portland Timbers, and proved they can beat the best teams in the MLS. With much of the season to go, Orlando find itself in an excellent opportunity to solidify a spot in the top three as the season progresses. Players like Adrian Winter and Cristian Higuita will need to improve in order for this team to consistently win.
This team is expected to come out of the Eastern Conference and compete for a shot at the MLS Cup.
Heath has been given plenty of time to find a winning formula and the quality of players on this team stands with the best in the MLS.
Orlando City will play three of its next four MLS matches at Camping World Stadium, and return to MLS action this June 18th against the San Jose Earthquakes.
