Only a few weeks remain before the start of the MLS Cup Playoffs. And this weekend, Orlando City SC’s back is against the wall against the struggling Houston Dynamo. Here are three things to watch for.
In what could be pegged as another must-win match for Orlando City SC, the Lions now enter Saturday night’s away match against the Houston Dynamo maintaining an optimistic mentality against a harsh reality.
Orlando City are on the precipice of yet another season without postseason play. There is still a chance of a late-season miracle, but it must start with a win on the road in Houston.
Here are three things to watch for when Orlando City SC pay a visit to the Houston Dynamo.
3. How will the Lions respond?
Last weekend’s shootout with the New England Revolution was a joy to watch from a neutral’s perspective but remained a tense affair for both clubs’ supporters. The fight was there, the star player stepped up when he was needed most, and yet all Orlando City SC got for their efforts was a point.
An own goal in the opening fifteen minutes forced Orlando’s hand and a strong second half response could have resulted in a different story. Now, Orlando City, who remain the only club from the 2015 MLS season to have not qualified for the MLS Cup Playoffs since that time, look unlikely to break this unfortunate spell.
The Lions are still only four points back from New England for the last playoff spot, but the Chicago Fire and the Montreal Impact are both a point ahead of Orlando while New England still have a game in hand. Fortunately, Orlando have a considerably easy schedule all things considered. The Revolution, on the other hand, must endure their final four fixtures against clubs in playoff positions.
If there is one thing to be said for this current Orlando City squad is that they are mentally strong. Their chemistry and budding culture will likely result in a revenge match with a struggling Dynamo team. Orlando James O’Connor will unquestionably refrain from the traditional defensively-minded away tactics and instead demand his players to take the fight to a defense that has conceded 10 goals in their last five matches.
Nani put on a masterclass display last weekend providing a jolt of optimism heading into the final stretch. When asked about the three remaining games and what he must convey to his teammates, Nani responded:
"“We must continue to play every game the way we’ve been [doing] every weekend. We’ve been working hard to get the results. We must believe [until] the last game and we must do our job. Try to win our games until the last game and see what happens because a lot of things can happen in football… let’s see.”"
At the end of the day, the progress that Orlando City SC have made throughout the season may not get the admiration it deserves. The fight continues, however, and now every match is ‘win at all costs’, starting with the Houston Dynamo.