Orlando City: Take advantage of U.S. Open Cup opportunity
By Daniel Garza
Orlando City are just one match away from reaching the U.S. Open Cup final. They must not let this opportunity slip away against their biggest rivals.
The month of August will prove to be a decisive 31 days for Orlando City SC. During that period, they prepare for the semi-final and possibly the final of the U.S. Open Cup, as well as a late-season playoff push in MLS. The Florida club will have to balance both competitions.
Having never reached the final of the Open Cup, the circled date of Aug. 6th will be on every Orlando City supporters’ calendar. Not only is a place in the final on the line; they also have a chance to shock rivals Atlanta United.
The defending MLS champions are the favorites to take the title and it may be their best chance of success this year. Likewise, for Orlando City, the Open Cup presents a chance to win a trophy in a season where a postseason spot will not come easy.
A win in the U.S. Open Cup would be a massive step forward for Orlando City, who have yet to achieve success since making the jump to MLS in 2015. It has not been easy for Orlando. They are not been a perennial playoff club and have bowed out of the Open Cup twice in the quarter-finals.
Now, they find themselves the furthest they have been in the domestic cup and can ease the woes of their start to life in the top flight with a cup victory. This is the big chance the club and its players have to give back to the community that has backed them.
With the match against Atlanta United, the stage is set for what could be an epic battle. To reach the final after defeating their rivals would make this an even greater accomplishment for the Lions. They have never beaten Atlanta in MLS. To get their first win against the club from Georgia would check off another task from their goals this season.
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The U.S. Open Cup has proven to be a wide-open competition in the last few years and hasn’t favored a clear winner. This is why it shouldn’t be a surprise if Orlando City finds the form needed to pull off a win in the competition. Last year, the Houston Dynamo took advantage of their opportunity and went all the way despite a poor showing in MLS play, their one-game potential shining in the knockout competition.
This year, Orlando City find themselves in a similar position as last year’s winners. And given the talent laden throughout the squad, especially in offensive positions, with All-Star Nani leading the way, the Lions have the one-off threat to upset even the very best teams if everything breaks right for them on the day. And that is all that has to happen against Atlanta.
Next. Orlando City inaugural MLS squad: Where are they now?. dark
Will the allure of the Open Cup lead Orlando to their first big title as an MLS club? The Aug. 6th match against Atlanta United will be a must-watch match for any MLS fan.