Forward Luis Muriel aimed to advance in production for Orlando City SC. He's reaching that goal.
One Lion who planned to step up his game for Orlando City SC this season is starting to peak in every way. Supporters could see his advanced performance from the earliest 2025 matches.
His production so far tallies to eight goals and seven assists in 26 games. He also averages an aerial win each match, as well as a tackle. He can be counted on for clearances and dribbles.
In the 4-1 win over Inter Miami CF, Muriel got in three tackles, a dispossession, two goals, and an assist.
As the season began, he aimed at providing more goals, assists and defense for the Lions.
After the Miami win, Head Coach Oscar Pareja described having Muriel and Martin Ojeda up front as extraordinary. They combined on goals for each other during the match. With Muriel’s increased focus and internalization of drills, Pareja noted it shows on the pitch in chemistry and communion with his teammates.
Muriel scored in the 2nd and 50th minutes, plus added an assist in the 58th minute.
The Lions signed him as a Designated Player in Feb. 2024 to a three-year contract. His first goals came in May as a brace against the Philadelphia Union. He scored his first hat trick in August in the Leagues Cup competition against Nexaca.
His strengths from early in his Orlando career included through balls, passing, and dribbling. He intends to add significant defensive contributions to that list.
He attributes the advances of himself and his teammates to the drills they conduct each week. Throughout his career, he’s also emphasized the importance of mental preparation.
Pareja has regularly emphasized that it’s the combination of mental preparation with their tactical skills in drills that increases their toughness. Mental preparation and tactical skills become wins for Orlando City SC.