After missing the playoffs in their first three seasons in the league, Orlando City SC seeks to play postseason soccer this campaign. Looking at their offseason moves and current roster, we predict if that dream is achievable.
Most would say that losing former Ballon d’Or winner, Kaká, and the clubs all-time leading goalscorer, Cyle Larin, this offseason would call for disaster. But the moves the Lions have made in the offseason could see Orlando City SC in the MLS playoffs.
It seems like the 2015 expansion side has redirected its focus, going after players with MLS experience that’ll help the squad achieve new heights.
A Recap of 2017
Record: 10-15-9 (W-L-D)
Finishing Position: 18th in MLS, 10th in Eastern Conference
Post-season: N/A
After starting the season winning six of their first seven games, it looked as if Orlando City were destined for a quality season. Two arrests and fourteen losses later, the Lions missed out on the playoffs once again, only to be met with the news that their first ever Designated Player, Kaká, was leaving the club.
Transfers IN:
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- GK – Adam Grinwis (Free)
- D – Mohamed El-Munir (Free)
- D – Amro Tarek (Loan from Wadi Degla FC)
- D – R.J. Allen (Trade from NYCFC)
- F – Stefano Pinho (Free)
- F – Jose Villarreal (Trade from LA Galaxy)
- M – Sacha Kljestan (Trade from NY Red Bulls)
- M – Josue Colman (Transfer from Cerro Porteño)
- M – Cam Lindley (Homegrown)
- M – Chris Mueller (SuperDraft)
- M – Justin Meram (Trade from Columbus)
- M – Oriol Rosell (Allocation)
- F – Stefano Pinho (Free)
- F – Jose Villarreal (Trade from LA Galaxy)
Transfers OUT:
- GK – Josh Saunders (Option declined)
- D – Seb Hines (Option declined)
- D – Conor Donovan (Option declined)
- D – Kevin Alston (Out of contract)
- D – Leo Pereira (Loan expired)
- D – Tommy Redding (Traded to NY Red Bulls)
- M – Kaká (Out of contract; Retired)
- M – Antonio Nocerino (Option declined)
- M – Servando Carrasco (Option declined)
- M – Devron Garcia (Option declined)
- F – Giles Barnes (Option declined)
- F – Hadji Barry (Option declined)
- F – Carlos Rivas (Traded to NY Red Bulls)
- F – Cyle Larin (Transferred to Besiktas)
Predicted Starting XI for Opening Weekend
2018 Predictions
Sure, the Lions have had a pretty decent offseason acquisition wise, bringing in the likes of Sacha Kljestan and Justin Meram from Conference rivals New York Red Bulls and Columbus Crew. If they were able to make these moves while still having Cyle Larin and Kaká on the roster, they would certainly find themselves in the playoffs, and maybe even competing for MLS Cup.
Orlando City may be a stronger team than in past years, but it will be quite the competition to become one of the six best teams in the Eastern Conference this season. Toronto, NYCFC, Atlanta, NYRB, and Chicago Fire are likely to keep their offseason position, leaving one open spot. That leaves the likes of DC, Columbus, and Orlando to compete for the final playoff position, certainly an entertaining battle. It may all come down to how quickly such an overhauled squad can work together.
Predicted Finishing Position: 7th in Eastern Conference