Orlando City Vs D.C. United: 3 things we learned – Rooney rises again
1. Two Portuguese players. Two different games.
Orlando City SC’s Designated Player, Nani, failed to showcase his masterful skill on the ball up until his substitution late in the game. He could not position himself into dangerous areas on the pitch and never found opportunities to take charge of the match. D.C. United did a masterful job of closing down and marking Nani to pressure the Orlando offense to find other means of attacking options.
Nani was constantly left frustrated by his lack of chances. He was, however, able to find his compatriot, João Moutinho, on the left side of the pitch. Moutinho was one of Orlando’s only means of creating goal-scoring chances with his quality crossing attempts. The young Portuguese was also responsible with his defensive duties and continued to force D.C. to focus their attack through the middle or left side. Where Nani was primarily absent from influential play, with a few exceptions, Moutinho was able to execute both on and off the ball.
Moutinho has continued to make a remarkable impact since his first start last week against the New York Red Bulls. Although his time with Los Angeles FC was of insignificant consequence, he managed to make his presence known in Orlando.
Unfortunately for Nani, Orlando’s fifth game of the season came and went without the Portuguese international making any significant impact. Nani will need him to quickly adapt to life in Orlando and build stronger relationships with Dom Dwyer and Sacha Kljestan in order to find success.
Needless to say, Nani does possess all of the tools to help lead OCSC to their first playoff appearance since joining the MLS in 2015. He did exert an effort to close down the D.C. United players when they had possession and time will tell if he will be able to live up to the faith Orlando has put in him.
Next. San Jose Earthquakes Vs LAFC: 3 things we learned. dark
When Orlando came out with a strong mentality at the start of the second half, Nani was important with pressing the ball when the Lions lost possession. He was just simply unable to direct play in the manner he would have preferred. If he is to vindicate that DP roster designation, he will have to start making more of an impact.