Orlando City: 3 Key Takeaways from the Columbus match

Orlando City fell 2-0 to the surging Columbus Crew in their first away match of the season. Here are the key takeaways from the side’s first loss.

After Friday featured two scoreless draws, MLS sprung to life on Saturday with 29 goals scored in seven matches. Unfortunately, Orlando City were the lone side unable to find the back of the net, falling 2-0 to the Crew on a chilly day in Columbus.

Orlando employed the same starting XI that featured in their previous match against Philadelphia. The men in purple held the edge in possession and outshot Columbus 14-6, but an inability to connect in the final third and a Justin Meram brace resulted in three points for the Crew. Here are the key takeaways from the match:

Lack of sharpness in the attacking third

Orlando put in a decent overall performance against a quality side on the road and there are plenty of positives to take away. Orlando was able to boss possession for extended stretches, Jonathan Spector continues to shine on the back line, and they comfortably out shot Columbus 14-6. However, only four of those attempts managed to find the target and the Lions seemed to lack ideas at times when it came to breaking down the Crew’s defense.

Striker Cyle Larin will need a considerable boost from supporting players if the Lions are to push for their first playoff appearance in franchise history. Only D.C. United have scored fewer in the Eastern Conference thus far and Larin has bagged all three, a stat that will have to change quickly.

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The captain can’t return soon enough

This probably comes as a no-brainer, but Orlando must get their captain back sooner rather than later. Kaka’s absence has been most perceivable in the side’s aforementioned indecisiveness in front of goal.

Kaka’s patience in midfield, ability to hold the ball while others join the attack, and unique ability to find open teammates and deliver a final ball continues to make him one of the best players in the league. At 34 years of age, Orlando’s star remains adamant that he has plenty left to give, and it’s hard to argue when he continues to perform week in and week out.

Orlando’s depth will be tested

As is the case in any professional sport, a team’s depth, combined with a bit of fortune in terms of the injuries, goes a long way in dictating their success over a season. Major League Soccer teams face a number of challenges in the form of extensive travel, player absences while on international duty, multiple competitions (U.S. Open Cup/CONCACAF Champions League), but injuries are often what keeps a squad from achieving their long-term goals.

Orlando’s roster will certainly be tested in the coming weeks following the latest bump in the road. Defender José Aja exited the match in the 43rd minute with what appeared an injured hamstring and was replaced by Tommy Redding. Aja joins Kaká, Rafael Ramos, Seb Hines, and Tony Rocha on the team’s list of injured players.

Coach Jason Kreis remained optimistic following the defeat:

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Orlando will look to rebound on Sunday when they host the New York Red Bulls, who will also be hungry for three points following a 4-1 defeat at the hands of the Houston Dynamo.