Orlando City SC is hitting its stride at the best possible time of the season. Winners of six of their last seven, Óscar Pareja's team will head into the Audi 2024 MLS Cup playoffs with momentum on their side - both at home and away from it. The latest result, a convincing 3-1 win over FC Cincinnati, put that in sharp focus as the two may meet again in a knockout match.
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Orlando City: Defeating the Strongest Teams
The victory against FC Cincinnati was one of those games that prove Orlando City is ready for anything. Taking down an authoritative opponent not only boosts morale within the team but also garners much confidence in the next playoff rounds.
Manager Óscar Pareja first gave his thoughts on the importance of the result and the good character his side showed, particularly in the second half. "We won a very important game against a very good rival who made things difficult for us in the first half," said Pareja after the match.
This fearless attitude against top competition is becoming a hallmark of this team, and as they close out the regular season, it could make all the difference.
Key Factor: Success on the Road
One of the hallmarks of this excellent campaign has indeed been Orlando City's success on the road. Indeed, the team has secured eight away victories-an impressive figure that could easily prove to be pivotal in the playoffs. In knockout competitions, such as those where teams often have to play away from home, this ability to perform on the road could be the difference-maker.
Defender Kyle Smith, who assisted on all three goals against Cincinnati, spoke to the squad's confidence in playing away from Orlando: "We know we can win on the road. We may have to play against teams in their own stadiums, but we're confident we can win."
This is the type of confidence on the road that is a must in a tournament such as the MLS Cup, where one game can flip the balance of power. If Orlando can continue this into the postseason, they will be tough to oust.
Ramiro Enrique and Iván Angulo: The Players of the Moment
The notable attackers in the win against Cincinnati were Ramiro Enrique and Iván Angulo. First in the game, Enrique found the net in the first half, then again in the second to cap a top-notch performance. It has been a season of growth for Enrique, and the timing couldn't get any better. Angulo had another, mind you, showing just how sharp Orlando City's attack has become.
With these two in full working order, along with a tight-firming defense, Orlando seems to get its pieces in the right place and at just about the right time.
A More Efficient Attack: Óscar Pareja's Blueprint
Head coach Óscar Pareja named what has changed for Orlando City this season: offensive efficiency. Orlando has always been competitive, but in past seasons, they just lacked the clinical finishing that could take them to the next level. This year, that's no longer an issue. With 58 goals scored so far, the team surpassed previous records of 55 goals set during the 2016 and 2023 seasons.
As Pareja said about the new dimension to the team, "We've worked hard to improve our goal production. We know that the team that scores more has a better chance of winning titles, and the players have responded well."
This uptick in offensive production in combination with a solid defense is what's taking Orlando City to a new level this season.
The Road to the Playoffs
With a playoff spot already locked in, Orlando City has one final test in this regular season on October 19 against Atlanta United. Orlando will welcome their southern neighbors into town with aspirations to close out the regular season just like they did against Inter Miami. For the players and Pareja, respectively, it's about keeping the momentum rolling and maintaining the same level of intensity that has surfaced in recent games.
We're not stopping," Pareja assured. "We'll rest, but we're already focused on the game against Atlanta. Our goal is to keep pushing forward."
Orlando heads into Decision Day on a streak, outscoring their last seven opponents by 19-6. That's a good omen as they head into the knockout stages. Confidence is high, and more importantly, playing with a winning mentality.