It’s been a hot start to the 2017 season for Orlando City, as the Florida club has remained unbeaten at home in their four opening matches.
After failing to make the postseason in their two opening seasons in Major League Soccer, Orlando City is looking like a playoff club at the moment, as they sit in second place in the Eastern Conference heading into the week.
Four of their five matches thus far have been played at Orlando City Stadium, which is the inaugural season for the stadium’s use. In all four, the club has won, including a dramatic 2-1 win this past weekend against the LA Galaxy.
Although it is early in the season still, it’s hard not to see City being a formidable club at home in 2017. The fans create an absolutely electric atmosphere, which makes it a tough place to play for any visiting club.
More from MLS Multiplex
- Javier Milei Elected in Argentina: Potential Impacts on MLS and Signings of Argentine Players
- Orlando City and New York City FC in the Battle for Matías Arezo; Grêmio Enters Negotiations! Who Will Come Out on Top?
- USA, Honduras, Panama, and Canada Close in on a Spot in the 2024 Copa America
- De Gea Turns Down Al-Nassr’s Lucrative Offer: Speculation Points to Possible Reunion with Messi at Inter Miami
- Messi’s Magnetic Impact in the United States
So, how long will this streak continue for? I will say mid-summer. The reason why? the next two matches will be against Western Conference opponents, the Colorado Rapids and Sporting Kansas City. After that, a long list of Eastern Conference opponents awaits them at home. My prediction will be somewhere in July will be where the club is finally defeated at home.
The Lions have two consecutive home matches where they face Toronto FC and Atlanta United in July. Toronto would be my best guess at where a loss could occur. Perhaps they may slip up against the Montreal Impact in June as well.
In hindsight, City doesn’t have to win, a few draws could occur down the road, but it still will keep their streak alive. They seem to get that extra edge they need at home and the sellout crowds at Orlando City Stadium give the club another reason to show up on matchdays.
Next: Lions Continue to Roar at Home
By the end of the season, City should be in a playoff position, and their home success will certainly be a factor in where they end up in the playoffs. Regardless of where they finish, 2017 will be a huge improvement in home form for the Florida club. They have won a combined 13 of 34 at home in their first two seasons in the league, which could make this season one to remember at Orlando City Stadium.