Orlando City has been on fire the past month collecting four straight victories in the midst of the Eastern Conference playoff race. After defeating a stingy Montreal side last weekend, the Lions will take advantage of a break this week as they prepare to face NYCFC on Friday, Oct. 16.
Orlando City’s bye week comes at a great time as the Lions are recovering from several injuries that have accumulated over the past few weeks. “Tommy [Redding] and Rafael [Ramos] are day to day,” Orlando City Head Coach Adrian Heath told reporters on Tuesday. Redding was diagnosed with a concussion during Saturday’s match while Ramos had a facial laceration that required stitches. “I think the break has come at the right time for us,” Heath continued. “It will give us a chance to deal with the one or two nagging injuries.”
This week of rest will also be beneficial to Seb Hines (shoulder), and David Mateos (training injury) who are looking to recover to full fitness in time for the match against New York. The Lions will have three days of training this week and then enjoy a three-day weekend before returning to the practice field next Monday in preparation for the monumental match next Friday night.
“We need to make sure we rest properly,” said Lions’ forward Cyle Larin. “I’ll be resting…I’ll probably go to the theme parks.”
With two games remaining in the season for Orlando City (NYCFC and Philadelphia) it is important for the Lions to be at 100 percent fitness. With Brek Shea and Kaká both suspended for the NYCFC match due to yellow card accumulation, Coach Heath will look for the other players to step up and fill those pivotal roles on the pitch.
