This is a turning point for Orlando City’s season. It was last July and August when the season fell apart and the Lions struggled to win and fell out of the Eastern Conference Playoff race.
For the first time in the franchise’s history during that period, the team faced adversity. Defy Expectations fell short. But the freshness of an expansion season and the hope from a new stadium continued Orlando City’s momentum.
The franchise was not performing as strongly on the field, but the good vibes about the team carried on through the team’s second MLS season. There was always hope that the team would get better.
The hiccups though this season have been somewhat quiet, but still noticeable. As the team rounds the midway point though, Orlando City has some significant questions throughout the franchise. The season has not gone according to plan, even with Orlando City sitting one point out of the Playoffs.
The team’s troubles started with the controversial firing of Ian Fuller, the longtime assistant and player for the team. The disorder in the front office in the offseason led to the hiring of Armando Carneiro, and then his sudden resignation. It led to the signing of Antonio Nocerino, which has not worked out.
It has led to the team getting off to a frustrating 3-0-6 record at home. The Lions, like many teams have three home wins but only two teams in the entire league have fewer home wins (most teams have played 8-10 home games so far).
While Orlando City is the only team in the Eastern Conference without any home losses, the vast amount of draws and few amount of wins are opportunities lost. And the way those have come have certainly frustrated the home supporters.
Orlando City have truly been cardiac kids, tying games at the death and giving their share of goals away late in games. It has led to plenty of tense moments and frustration late in games.
Things all seemed to come to a head this week. Another late goal for Orlando City in a game the team dominated in the U.S. Open Cup led to a whole new round of disappointments. And the departure of a key player too.
Wednesday, the Lions again gave up a goal in stoppage time against the Fort Lauderdale Strikers in the U.S. Open Cup. It was another disappointing result for a largely good effort. Results though matter. Especially in single elimination tournaments.
There is growing frustration and, with the transfer window opening, the team could see some changes. Perhaps that causes more instability or perhaps that corrects changes that failed to go through with acquisitions this summer. It is a chance to fix things.
The team will be moving forward without Adrian Winter though.
The popular acquisition from last summer’s transfer window is being let out of his contract, according to Alicia Del Gallo of the Orlando Sentinel. Winter was a fun creator on the wing who was able to press forward and cross into the box. He was popular and productive for Orlando City after adjusting to the MLS.
It will be a big gap to fill. One that could get filled by Darwin Ceren.
The Lions will have to be active on the field.
Wednesday though also showed some frustration off the field.
Wednesday’s game was the only U.S. Open Cup game not to be televised in any form. The Lions opted not to put the game on YouTube to try to get more people at the game. The game was also not part of the regular season-ticket package, forcing even season tickets holders to pay extra to attend the less prestigious game.
The plan backfired as the game drew only a little more than 3,000 people. It was the first attendance ploy for Orlando City that greatly backfired.
There have been some complaints through social media among fans about the placement for seats in the new stadium and not being able to sit near similar fans as the team moves down the street.
That may not matter much in the long run. Those things can get figured out and smoothed over.
The Lions played everything perfectly getting to the MLS both on and off the field. Now though there have been some hiccups. Entering a critical stage for the franchise with the move to the new stadium and a big playoff push, there is some adversity and some problems to figure out.
Coach Adrian Heath has come under some measure of fire too. His security does not seem completely safe as the team has had its ups and downs still.
Orlando City still has work to do to reach all of its goals this year and beyond.
