One of the big appeals of MLS is the ability of any team to bounce back from a poor campaign to enjoy success and optimism the next, or even indeed overcoming a dismal first half of the season to progress deep into the play-off stage. Only last season, Seattle Sounders went on a late run to scrape in the top six of the Western Conference, before going on to win the MLS Cup itself.
The turnaround for Orlando City isn’t as dramatic, nor as instantaneous, but the catalyst for both they and the Sounders has been a managerial switch. In the case of the Lions, it’s Jason Kreis who has come in and so far been a rousing success, taking Orlando from Eastern Conference also-rans in 2016 to one of the stronger-looking outfits in the current season.
Like several other expansion outfits, Orlando wanted a big name when they joined MLS in 2015.
Brazilian international playmaker Kaka was their choice, and the No. 10 is now in his third campaign with the purple-clad side, hoping to help them reach the playoffs for the first time. So far, the signs are good.
Kaka has struggled at times with injury, but he’s far from the only attraction in the side. Canadian striker Cyle Larin has already earned admiring glances from Portugal’s Liga NOS and the Premier League, while the likes of Giles Barnes—formerly of Derby and West Brom—and Carlos Rivas are exciting, if unpredictable, attacking outlets too.
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The addition of Jonathan Spector into the defensive ranks has significantly boosted Orlando’s organisational work this term, with the ex-Manchester United man hounding those around him to stay in shape and showing plenty of game-reading ability to make interceptions and last-ditch tackles when needed. When he can’t stop the attacks, goalkeeper Joe Bendik has been far more consistent and impressive this year, a potential candidate for the USA national team as third-choice stopper.
Kreis has moulded his side into an all-round team, solid defensively and perfectly happy to sit deep, frustrate opponents and wait for counter opportunities, but also capable of pressing high and letting the front three or four—they usually field a diamond midfield and two strikers this term—create chances after transitions.
Key to Orlando’s early-season success has been their home form, all the more impressive as they’re in a brand new, purpose-built stadium which both players and fans have taken to immediately. ‘The Wall’ shakes on match days, a mini-replica of Borussia Dortmund’s yellow version: safe standing, loud and colourful, utterly intimidating toward the opposition and full of support for their own team.
It’s an impressive sight to behold, and one of the loudest and proudest in MLS.
If home form is critical, it’s not just because Kreis’ team play there. It’s because Orlando have deliberately cultivated a genuine community feeling, from the location of the stadium in downtown to the all-inclusive coverage of both men’s and women’s team. Kaka isn’t the only Brazilian in town; world class star Marta is the big attraction for the women’s side, Orlando Pride, who last year also had USA international Alex Morgan in their lineup.
Hint: It was 'Special'
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The entire state of Florida gives impressive coverage and depth to the game, with the likes of Tampa Bay Rowdies, Fort Lauderdale Strikers and Miami FC all notable USL and NASL sides. If David Beckham’s Miami MLS franchise ever gets off the ground, there will be even more interest, and a potential new rivalry to watch grow. Right now, OCSC’s biggest rivals are New York City FC, the expansion side who broke into MLS in the same season. The two teams recently met at Orlando City Stadium, with NYC triumphing in revenge for Orlando’s win at Yankee Stadium earlier in the campaign.
Orlando are an intriguing watch, a big success in terms of continued growth and interest in the team, and now, in 2017, genuine candidates to hit the playoffs for the first time—and as Seattle showed last season, from that point on, anything is possible.
