It took D.C. United to give Orlando City SC supporters the team they’ve sought all season.
Head Coach Oscar Pareja acknowledged that The Orlando City SC team that romped 5-0 over D.C. United is what winning squad supporters recognize and expect.
He recognized confidence in the players beyond what he observed earlier, even in their wins and draws. While this ended in a shutout of United, he emphasized that even in games where the Lions conceded a goal, all they ever had to do was score and they win.
In this match, five didn’t City players scored, including striker Martin Ojeda, defender Robin Jansson, and midfielders Ivan Angulo and Facundo Torres. Forward Ramiro Enrique scored after he subbed in for the second half.
Assists were tallied by Dagur Thorhallsson, Wilder Cartagena, Duncan McGuire, Alexander Freeman, Nico Lodeiro, Angulo, and two for Torres.
The confidence Pareja saw fed a high-energy performance throughout the match. He reported it as the best first half for the Lions this season.
It was a first half in which Orlando executed four shots on target, three of them for scores. They had 10 shots on target for the match against United’s one.
Both halves featured good defense from City players.
The team has hovered below the playoff line all season. With this latest effort, the Lions have leapfrogged into seventh place in the MLS East Conference. They pushed down Nashville and Toronto and knocked Atlanta United FC to just below the playoff line.
Taking Atlanta down a notch below the line is an incredible feat. Earlier this season, Atlanta doubled up Orlando in shots on target. They beat the Lions 2-0.
To keep Atlanta off their backs, Orlando will have to do more than just maintain the momentum from this shutout win over D.C. United.
They’ll have to build on the win and continue drilling as they take over better teams.
Their season finale is at home vs. Atlanta United FC. Orlando City SC has tasted winning ways. They earned the taste and will have to continue earning it.