Orlando City face a quick turnaround after losing to Minnesota United in the Twin Cities this past weekend. The Lions host D.C. United Wednesday night in what will be the first of three consecutive home matches for Orlando City. After a hot start to the season, the Lions have hit a bit of a rough patch. Playing at home should give the team a spark as they will push hard for all three points this Wednesday in a vital match for Orlando City to remain in playoff position.
The effort and drive of the team has not been in question during this winless streak. Minor lapses of concentration and poor finishing have really punished Orlando City and, according to Head Coach Jason Kreis, things just are not going the team’s way.
“I thought the effort from the guys was good and that we were really close but at the moment we can’t get everything to go right for us. We had plenty of chances and opportunities where we are in the attacking third of the field and just couldn’t seem to make the play,” Kreis said after Saturday night’s loss.
Kreis also commented on Kaka’s absence from the team over the weekend, “It’s been a day-by-day process throughout the week to monitor his fitness. We got to Thursday and expected him to be out on the field. On Thursday, he had some pain resurface as he was running on the treadmill and at that point he was ruled out.”
Orlando City took 20 shots in Saturday’s defeat and found themselves in promising positions attacking the Minnesota back line all match long. Finishing will be a major focus for the team as they prepare for D.C. United at home.
Jason Kreis, known for keeping a level head in the midst of turmoil, offered some insight on the team’s difficult streak and the immediate future:
“I don’t think everything has been horrible and the tendency is to really get down after losing streaks like this, especially after starting the season off so well. We have to stay level headed and focused because of back-to-back home conference games this coming Wednesday and Sunday.”
