On Wednesday night, Orlando City SC host Sporting KC in a crucial playoff-chasing contest. Here are three things to watch for as both teams look to make ground on the playoff positions.
Orlando City SC took a well-deserved point away from home against Toronto FC on Saturday night. While the Lions failed to take all three points in a pivotal Eastern Conference matchup, they remain firmly in the hunt for a playoff spot.
Next up is Sporting Kansas City, a side that has lacked consistency for the past month as they lost four of their past seven matches. As Sporting KC are seeing their playoff hopes slipping away, they will strive to steal all three points in Orlando.
Here are three things to watch when Orlando City SC host Sporting Kansas City on Wednesday night.
3. Where will the goals come from?
If there is one particular weakness holding back Orlando City SC this season, it is their inability to convert chances. What’s more frustrating for James O’Connor and the supporters is that Orlando have talent in their attack. Nani, Chris Mueller, Dom Dwyer, and Tesho Akindele have all combined to score 26 goals, although the only reliable goalscorer as of late has been Akindele, although even he has squandered some viable opportunities to net more goals in recent matches.
Nani has not scored since June 1st against the Montreal Impact. This lack of goals is not necessarily down to poor form, but rather an adjustment in his role on the field. Over recent weeks, Nani — and to some extent, Chris Mueller — has come deeper to pick up the ball in possession and push forward. As a result, Orlando City SC’s full-backs have had the responsibility to cover the wide areas in the final third, which can be a detriment in some instances. Having players like Nani and Mueller on the ball sooner can secure possession, but at the same time, this can hinder their impact in the final third.
Benji Michel returned to action with Orlando City to resounding effect against Toronto FC. His impact was felt instantly when he netted a wonderful shot on the counter-attack. His injection of pace was crucial to making up the ground and had the awareness to place the shot in the perfect location. Michel explained his mentality when he entered the match:
"“The guys told me ‘Benji go in and be as dangerous on the field as possible.’ I felt like I needed to bring that energy to the team.”"
Moving forward, Michel will have undoubtedly felt a boost in confidence in the final third. The young American was close to giving away a costly penalty shortly after his goal, but VAR ruled the foul to be just outside the box. Regardless, considering Orlando City SC’s scoring woes, O’Connor may need to take a second look at Benji Michel when determining his starting lineup against Sporting Kansas City.