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Orlando City on the Rise: Rafael Santos Discusses Promising Moment in MLS

By Arthur Fernandes

FORT LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA - AUGUST 02: (L-R) Rafael Santos #3 of Orlando City SC shakes hands with Lionel Messi #10 of Inter Miami CF following the Leagues Cup 2023 Round of 32 match between Orlando City SC and Inter Miami CF at DRV PNK Stadium on August 02, 2023 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
FORT LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA - AUGUST 02: (L-R) Rafael Santos #3 of Orlando City SC shakes hands with Lionel Messi #10 of Inter Miami CF following the Leagues Cup 2023 Round of 32 match between Orlando City SC and Inter Miami CF at DRV PNK Stadium on August 02, 2023 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) /
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In the American soccer scene, Orlando City is gaining prominence and getting closer to the coveted top spot in Major League Soccer (MLS). In an exclusive interview with the Brazilian newspaper “Lance!”, Brazilian player Rafael Santos, a key figure on the Florida team, praised the confidence and determination of the squad as they prepare to face significant challenges in the upcoming matches.

With four wins and one draw in their last five games, Orlando City currently sits in second place overall in MLS, just behind the leaders Cincinnati. With 50 points, Orlando’s team is chasing the top of the table, which has been dominated by Cincinnati with 58 points.

Rafael Santos emphasized the team’s current state of confidence, highlighting the incredible comeback victory of 4-3 against the Columbus Crew in the last round. In a game filled with twists and turns, Orlando City showed resilience and determination, proving they are ready to contend for the MLS title.

“We are going through a great moment in the season and making the most of the team’s confidence, which is very high. Our last win is proof of that, where we knew how to deal with adversity, being behind on the scoreboard twice, and still, we kept our composure to achieve the turnaround. We have to maintain this momentum to stay at the top of the table, which is our goal,” stated Rafael Santos.

FORT LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA – MAY 20: Rafael Santos #3 of Orlando City heads the ball during the second half of the game against the Inter Miami CF at DRV PNK Stadium on May 20, 2023 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images)
FORT LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA – MAY 20: Rafael Santos #3 of Orlando City heads the ball during the second half of the game against the Inter Miami CF at DRV PNK Stadium on May 20, 2023 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images) /

The upcoming week promises to be crucial for Orlando City, with two highly relevant matches. First, the team will visit New York City, a traditional opponent in MLS, and then they will host Inter Miami in a Florida derby. The challenge against New York City will be an opportunity for Orlando City to demonstrate its strength against established teams in the league.

However, it is the clash with Inter Miami that stands out, not only because of the regional rivalry but also due to the presence of none other than Lionel Messi, the Argentine star who needs no introduction. Rafael Santos acknowledges the magnitude of this showdown but emphasizes that the team is focused and determined to maintain its good form in MLS.

“Inter Miami, with Messi, needs no introduction, and it’s also a derby. So, we have to approach each match with a lot of focus to achieve good results and continue chasing Cincinnati,” projected the left-back.

Orlando City is undeniably on the right path to achieve its ambitions in MLS, and Rafael Santos’ confidence reflects the team’s commitment and winning mentality. Orlando City fans have reason to be excited as the team seeks to solidify its place at the top of the American soccer league and compete for the championship.

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