Into the #MLSisBack Tournament semi-finals after beating favourites Los Angeles FC, Orlando City SC now face their biggest club game yet.
Legendary former head coach Adrian Heath and his Minnesota United side await in the last four after beating San Jose Earthquakes 1-4.
Facing Inchy, and possibly Kevin Molino, at the venue where City created history in USL, the sub-plot couldn’t be more intriguing.
Oscar Pareja‘s Orlando City SC have been the headline story of the #MLSisBack Tournament so far.
Unbeaten in FIVE tournament games so far, City have played extremely attractive soccer. City have created multiple goalscoring opportunities against every opponent.
Unrecognisable from the Orlando City SC sides that have disappointed supporters in five full Major League Soccer campaigns so far, Pareja is turning around a losing culture in Central Florida.
With Pareja deploying a 4-2-3-1 formation, Orlando City SC now play with a consistent identity, pressing their opponents out of the gate while giving opposition strikers little encouragement early in games.
Showcasing incredible fight, determination and a never-say-die attitude against Los Angeles FC, João Moutinho‘s 90th minute equaliser demonstrated everything this team is about.
Turning around losing positions in THREE of our FIVE #MLSisBack Tournament games so far, Orlando City SC no longer panic after conceding the first goal.
Sticking to Oscar Pareja‘s defined style of play at all times, the same maturity and togetherness will be needed to overcome Minnesota United.
One of MLS’s most improved sides, the Loons are bouncing into this semi-final. This game follows a hugely convincing 1-4 victory over Matías Almeyda’s San Jose Earthquakes.
Orlando City SC supporters know all about Adrian Heath‘s competitiveness and siege mentality.
After dumping out the favourites LAFC, Orlando City SC can’t afford any complacency against a side most City fans believe we can beat to make our first MLS era final.
Orlando City SC vs Minnesota United – 2017/19 head-to-head stats
The last time Orlando City SC faced Minnesota United, it was our first visit to Allianz Field just over a year ago.
Also the first ever managerial meeting between Adrian Heath and his former player James O’Connor, the game ended 1-1.
Ultimately, it was a game City really needed to win to gather momentum for a playoff push. However, a last-minute Abu Danladi goal broke Lions hearts.
Taking the lead through a Nani penalty in the 70th minute, the smash-and-grab game plan appeared to be working.
But Danladi’s last-gasp goal was a gutting blow. That said, the 1-1 full-time result was fair on the overall balance of play.
Minnesota United 1 Orlando City SC 1 – Highlights – August 17, 2019 (Credit: Minnesota United FC)
To reach the #MLSisBack Tournament Final, Orlando City SC will have to do something they’ve never done before in MLS.
Beat Minnesota United.
Three fixtures into this game series, the Loons are unbeaten so far with TWO victories and ONE draw to date.
Records are there to be broken however. Especially after getting our first ever win over Los Angeles FC in extra dramatic circumstances.
Not only are Minnesota United undefeated against Orlando City SC since entering MLS, all three results came under Adrian Heath‘s watch too.
Sure, Orlando City SC‘s roster has changed multiple times since Inchy was in charge. However, Heath always has extra fire in his belly for this fixture.
Despite being sacked by Orlando City SC in July 2016, Adrian Heath always reiterates his respect and love for the club that was his entire life from 2008 to 2016.
With Orlando City SC since its Austin Aztex form, Inchy won two USL Championships and three USL regular season titles with the Lions between 2011 and 2014.
Orlando City SC 1 Minnesota United 2 – Highlights – March 10, 2018 (Credit: Major League Soccer)
Orlando City SC form
The mark of Oscar Pareja‘s Orlando City SC so far? The Lions’ newfound ability to keep games tight early on.
The Lions have been drawing 0-0 at half-time in SIX of their SEVEN MLS fixtures this year.
No fluke, Pareja gets this Orlando City SC side to press their opponents early on while giving little away in defence.
We’re yet again witnessing Pareja’s pedigree in knockout cup competitions having previously led FC Dallas to a U.S. Open Cup triumph in 2016.
Orlando City SC 1 Los Angeles FC 1 (A.E.T.) (5-4 on penalties) – Highlights – July 31, 2020 (Credit: Qualityfirst)
Minnesota United form
Somewhat goal shy in his Minnesota United career heading into this tournament, Robin Lod has found form lately.
The Finland international winger scored against both Columbus Crew and San Jose Earthquakes in the Round-of-16 and quarter-finals.
Robin Lod got his chance after former Lion Kevin Molino picked up a hamstring injury during this tournament.
The Trinidad and Tobago international was an unused substitute against Quakes. It remains to be seen whether he plays any part of the semi-final.