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Orlando City SC Vs New England Revolution: 3 things to watch for

By Connor Dittmeier

ORLANDO, FL - AUGUST 04: Orlando City midfielder Sacha Kljestan (16) kicks the ball away from New England Revolution forward Cristian Penilla (70) during the soccer match between the Orlando City Lions and the New England Revolution on August 4, 2018 at Orlando City Stadium in Orlando FL. (Photo by Joe Petro/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
ORLANDO, FL - AUGUST 04: Orlando City midfielder Sacha Kljestan (16) kicks the ball away from New England Revolution forward Cristian Penilla (70) during the soccer match between the Orlando City Lions and the New England Revolution on August 4, 2018 at Orlando City Stadium in Orlando FL. (Photo by Joe Petro/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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BRONX, NY – JUNE 02: Captain Sacha Kljestan #16 of Orlando City gives a thumbs up to fans at the end of the MLS the pride night match between New York City FC and Orlando City SC at Yankee Stadium on June 02, 2018 in the Bronx borough of New York. New York City FC won the match with a score of 3 to 0. (Photo by Ira L. Black/Corbis via Getty Images)
BRONX, NY – JUNE 02: Captain Sacha Kljestan #16 of Orlando City gives a thumbs up to fans at the end of the MLS the pride night match between New York City FC and Orlando City SC at Yankee Stadium on June 02, 2018 in the Bronx borough of New York. New York City FC won the match with a score of 3 to 0. (Photo by Ira L. Black/Corbis via Getty Images) /

2.  Can Orlando City SC build some consistency?

Orlando City SC’s season continues to be plagued by inconsistency. Following a rather dismal month of May yet again for the Lions, the club managed their first back-to-back wins in competitive play this season. Although the last win came against USL side Memphis 901, Orlando is no stranger to upsets against lower league opposition in the U.S. Open Cup.

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James O’Connor’s side has not provided supporters with an immediate improvement that might have been desired following years of constant frustration and disappointment. Yet, while the results are not particularly impressive this year, the effectiveness in defense and the quality of the players overall has drastically improved over last season.

The U.S. Open Cup is the perfect opportunity, then, for Orlando City SC to put a strong run of form together. The players can take a breather from the constant stress of the MLS season and solely focus on winning a one-off match to progress further in the tournament. It would be an incredible statement if the Lions can find a way to win a trophy, not to mention the fact that they would secure a spot in the CONCACAF Champions League.

Sacha Kljestan was impressive in the Lions’ 3-1 win over Memphis 901 and the side will need the skilled veteran to continue that high level of performance if Orlando is to have any chance of nabbing the coveted Lamar Hunt trophy. The American has so far not lived up to his level of play during his great tenure with the New York Red Bull’s, but he can be a key force in pushing Orlando far this season. His ability to create space in the attacking phase as well as his knack for getting into dangerous areas might cause distress for New England’s backline.

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