The second-half collapse that sealed the defeat of Orlando City SC was a problem that the Lions fixed early last season.
Early in the 2024 season, some supporters thought they should give up. Orlando City SC had a terrible start. Formations were defeating the Lions. Speed defeated them. The second half further amplified their problems.
Yet even in 2024, the team maintained its streak of not losing in its home opener, going back to its first season. But that streak ended in 2025. The second half ruined the streak.
They have to dust themselves off after losing to the Philadelphia Union 4-2. Next, they need to say, “Been there. Done that.” They faced a fierce attack from the Union in the first half. Then they went to the locker room at the half drawn 1-1.
They know how to fix a second-half collapse. The solution is the one they used last season.
The Lions drilled on focus, concentration, and matching speed and go-to formations of their opponents. Midfielder Martin Ojeda, who had an assist in the match, emphasized that the second half had a pivotal 15-20 minutes where the Lions could have turned the game in their favor.
Ojeda hinted that the players would likely focus on their mistakes during those minutes. That is how Orlando fixed the problem last season.
Watch for the Lions to contain difficult opponents early in the second half. That’s just what they did during the first half against the Union. Later in the second half, they’ll pour on the speed using their created spaces.
They’ll continue to control that space. Among other players, controlling space is the job of their group of Designated Players. Winger Marco Pasalic used what space he could to tally Orlando City’s two scores in the first 2025 match. Another DP, midfielder Martin Ojeda, got an assist.
The third DP, forward Luis Muriel, got in 34 minutes and made one key pass.
Losing a home opener is cause for concern. Orlando City SC players and coaches are concerned. They know what to do.