Everyone expected there to be a learning curve for Orlando City. Rarely do expansion clubs compete for playoff spots. But as the season nears its halfway point, the Lions happily find themselves above the thin red line.
The climb up the standings came as a result of a four-game unbeaten streak in which the team has picked up eight points and produced ten goals.
“I’m pleased with the way we’re heading at the moment. We’re still a work in progress and there’s an awful lot of work to go, but I think there’s an awful lot more growth on this team. Certainly, a few players are starting to grasp what we’re looking for,” said Adrian Heath after the Lions’ come-from-behind victory in Chicago.
Heath made several changes to his starting XI for the match, opting to play Lewis Neal and Pedro Ribeiro in place of Carlos Rivas and Cyle Larin. But when the Lions found themselves down 2-1 in the second half, Rivas and Larin made their way onto the pitch and changed the dynamic of the game.
Orlando City SC vs. DC United - Sunday 7:00pm
Larin’s 82nd minute strike from 25 yards out ricocheted off the post and into the net, drawing the teams even at two. Just four minutes later, Rivas’ centering pass to Larin deflected off Fire defender Adailton for his second own-goal, and the Lions were able to leave Toyota Park with three points.
Last week against Crew SC, it was Neal and Ribeiro that came on in relief, as Heath decided to trade youth for experience. The move paid off as Orlando City rallied to tie the game 2-2.
It was the youngsters that sparked the comeback on Saturday, though. Rivas rebounded nicely from a tough game against Columbus and Larin effectively reinforced his standing as one of the top rookies in MLS.
“You saw it today, when I came on and then Rivas came on, we started to get at them, and that’s what coach told us from the bench. Just get at them and we’ll come back,” said Larin after the game.
“I said last week, I feel as if the group is coming together a little bit more. There’s a little bit more camaraderie in the group, they’re getting to know each other a little bit more. It’s a really happy dressing room,” said Heath.
It’s a nice change of pace from where they were just one month ago. The team was struggling with injuries and bad luck cost them several points despite having outplayed their opponents.
Now, even with key players away on international duty, notably U.S. Men’s National Team star Brek Shea against the Fire, the team is finding its rhythm and the maturation of the younger players is having a noticeable impact.
“It was a very exciting game, a game that showed me the character of the team,” said team captain Kaká. “We were losing on two occasions, but we found a way to win.”
Coach Heath summed up the team’s performance against Chicago best: “As I said to them tonight, nothing comes easy; anything that is worth fighting for is hard. They dug in tonight. I thought they were excellent. I thought there were some really good performances.”
