Orlando City took the field at Camping World Stadium for the first time without their leader. Whether anyone was happy or motivated to play for Bobby Murphy over Adrian Heath was unclear.
The supporters made it clear though. And their passion and frustration was more apparent than the passion the team displayed on the field. Many in the supporter’s section wore red in honor of Orlando City’s first two years in existence. There was a banner across the upper deck that read “Inchy’s Army.” Some supporters created a mini tifo that ready “Inchy for Life” while another held a banner up that said “What Next?”
This was the message sent from a confused fan base. A fan base still looking for answers as to why the coach was suddenly dismissed and why the team seems to be struggling so much on the field. Those explanations continue to go without response. Phil Rawlins’ scheduled press conference following the game was canceled without explanation.
So if anyone was looking forward to hearing from @OCPres today after the game about the firing of Adrian Heath you won't–he cancelled.
— Despina (@DespinaBarton) July 9, 2016
Fans hoping for a good game also probably wish the game was canceled due to the lightning in the area or something else.
Orlando City was lethargic and imprecise once again. The effort was no better than it was Monday in a 4-0 loss to FC Dallas. The quality of opponent was.
Perhaps the urgency on defense was there. Ironically, Heath’s son Harrison was in the starting lineup and had some heroic saves as did Kevin Alston and David Mateos. There was more attention played there.
But the offense was non-existent. With Kaka out once again, the team struggled to create much offensive fluidity. There were a lot of long runs sent over the top of the defense hoping to catch Cyle Larin. He was offside more than a few times as a result.
When the team build into the attacking third, they struggled to connect with crosses and long passes. There was still that reluctance to shoot that has plagued the team in two years in MLS.
It was frustrating. Orlando City had most of the possession and many of the better opportunities, but rarely threatened the Houston goal.
The biggest flurry came within a quarter hour of the game, but then frustration reigned the rest of the night. Players were running into each, misjudging crosses and leaving the ball in empty areas where players were supposed to run or had vacated.
It was made worse by a near goal scored in the dying moments of the game. A post saved Joe Bendik, who also was late on a few shots that ended up going wide. Houston is not a good team and failed to take advantage of Orlando’s porous play.
It was a frustrating evening. Perhaps an evening that was still wrought with the emotion and confusion of losing a coach. The team certainly did not band together for the new man in charge or the new vision. And Orlando City did not seem to have anything else to play for or band together.
The season is very much in the balance. The franchise may be in deeper turmoil than we imagine. The lethargic and frustrating play may be a symptom of that turmoil at the top.
