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Only we can dig ourselves out of this hole. After an eighth successive loss in MLS to rivals Atlanta United, Orlando City SC are desperately sliding towards the foot of the Eastern Conference.
But could there be hope? Orlando City SC announced the arrival James O’Connor as new head coach last Friday with the Irishman taking charge for the first time at Los Angeles FC as he faces the mammoth task of turning our failing season around.
It’s not only been the defeats but the manner of the way Orlando City SC have been losing games.
On the back foot as early as the third minute against Atlanta United last Saturday, the Lions have conceded the first goal in FIFTEEN of their SEVENTEEN Major League Soccer games contested so far.
A really poor record, Orlando City SC have been giving themselves too much to do in what is proving to be a weekly basis. Desperately seeking to take charge of a game instead of chasing it, the fixtures aren’t getting any easier as we face LAFC for the very first time.
Bob Bradley’s side are enjoying a hugely positive inaugural season in Major League Soccer and currently sit third in the Western Conference (17 games played, 31 points).
Orlando City SC have been devoid of confidence and tactical discipline lately, and despite Bobby Murphy having switched the formation to three at the back, we just haven’t seen an improvement.
The good news is that new head coach James O’Connor will bring fresh ideas to our current group with every player fighting for their Orlando City SC careers.
In the initial weeks of O’Connor’s Lions reign, both the Irishman and City supporters will gain a first-hand look at who is buying into his methods and who’s not.
Orlando City UK would like to wish James O’Connor the very best of luck as he embarks on his first game in charge of the Lions at Banc of California Stadium.
Head-to-head stats
Since Orlando City SC entered Major League Soccer in 2015, three more teams have joined the league to make a total of 23 franchises.
While we wait for Nashville, Cincinnati and Miami, the newest active MLS franchise are Los Angeles FC who are currently enjoying their inaugural campaign.
Quickly assembling a talented roster under the vastly experienced Bob Bradley, LAFC are enjoying a positive debut season.
Currently third in the Western Conference, Los Angeles FC’s star man is undoubtedly Carlos Vela and it will be interesting to see whether the Mexican international plays a part in this game after El Tri were knocked out of the FIFA World Cup by Brazil on Monday.
Los Angeles FC form
A fantastic facility based right in the heart of LA, Los Angeles FC call the 22,000 capacity Banc of California Stadium their home.
Boasting a safe standing section much like Orlando City Stadium, Bob Bradley’s side remain UNDEFEATED at Banc of California Stadium so far this season after seven fixtures.
In LAFC’s last home game, Bob Bradley’s side took apart Philadelphia Union 4-1 thanks to a hat-trick from influential mid-season signing Adama Diomande and a strike from Latif Blessing.
Los Angeles FC 4 Philadelphia Union 1 – Highlights – June 30, 2018 (Credit: LAFC)
Having previously played under Bob Bradley at Stabæk in Norway, Adama Diomande followed the former USMNT boss to Los Angeles FC at the beginning of May.
The Norwegian international striker has taken to life in Major League Soccer like a duck to water with “Dio” scoring SEVEN goals in his last FIVE appearances for the California-based franchise.
Looking unstoppable in front of goal right now, the 28-year-old former Hull City man has eased the burden of Carlos Vela being away at the FIFA World Cup with Mexico.
San Jose Earthquakes 3 Los Angeles FC 4 – Highlights – June 9, 2018 (Credit: LAFC)
Orlando City SC form
A stat that makes for terrible reading, Orlando City SC have conceded the first goal in FIFTEEN of their SEVENTEEN MLS fixtures players so far this season.
It cannot be underestimated just how demoralising it is for the team to be chasing deficits week in, week out.
As we saw at Philadelphia Union in a rare away victory earlier this season, Orlando City SC oozed confidence while managing the second-half perfectly after going 2-0 up through Dom Dwyer and Chris Mueller towards the end of the first 45.
It would really make a world of difference to the Orlando City SC psyche if we could kick the habit of conceding the first goal and James O’Connor would’ve taken note of this.
Since Dom Dwyer‘s 94th minute consolation strike at Vancouver Whitecaps on June 9th, Orlando City SC have failed to score in THREE separate MLS fixtures since.
Scoreless in 270 minutes, James O’Connor‘s arrival will hopefully boost the confidence of the roster.
Scoring the first goal in California would be huge for our belief as we aim to turnaround our dismal form.
Atlanta United 4 Orlando City SC 0 – Highlights – June 30, 2018 (Credit: Atlanta United FC)