After a tough week playing three games in nine days, Orlando City walked out of Camping World Stadium with a win against New York City FC (NYCFC). The Lions held onto victory after Kaka’s second goal that gave them the lead in the second half. The team is hoping that this momentum will help boost their confidence and build momentum for the coming matches.
“For me, the most important thing tonight was the performance,” Head Coach Jason Kreis said after the match. “I’m seeing continued improvement in the performance, continued improvement in how we’re defending, and it’s pleasing.”
The team had a solid all-around performance on Sunday night, with the offense connecting and creating opportunities, and the defense able to clear the back and keep the ball upfield. Tommy Redding, who featured as a right back for the first time in his professional career, thinks that the confidence they’ll take from this game is very important. “I think this is a huge momentum-builder for us, especially looking forward to playoffs, so we’re gonna take this one and keep going with it,” Redding said. “We really needed to come out here and get three points, so it was very important for us.”
Team Captain Kaká, who scored his first MLS brace in the match, agreed that the confidence they gained tonight will be key in the coming matches. “We need to be confident and ready for the next game.”
As for the playoffs, Orlando City is still fighting for that last spot. After the win against NYCFC, they’re just one point behind DC United. Kreis thinks that the momentum gained from tonight’s performance could help them in their fight, but the team needs to believe. “I believe that it can,” Kreis said. “And I believe that it will.”
Orlando City will now hit the road to play two away matches against Montreal Impact and L.A Galaxy before returning home to Camping World Stadium on September 17th, against the Columbus Crew.
