O-Town's 11
Fansided

So have supporters seen Orlando City SC in their best game? Yes!

• Hard to beat with all cylinders running
• Everyone has to stay healthy
• Focus on their best game

ByChuck Wharton|
May 11, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Orlando City defender Robin Jansson (6) defends Philadelphia Union midfielder Quinn Sullivan (33) during the first half at Subaru Park. Mandatory Credit: Caean Couto-USA TODAY Sports
May 11, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Orlando City defender Robin Jansson (6) defends Philadelphia Union midfielder Quinn Sullivan (33) during the first half at Subaru Park. Mandatory Credit: Caean Couto-USA TODAY Sports | Caean Couto-USA TODAY Sports

Orlando City SC played Chicago Fire to a draw in a recent match. Everyone expected the beleaguered Fire to lose.

Instead, Chicago played their strongest game of the MLS season and each team left the pitch with a point. Orlando midfielder Facundo Torres put SC ahead in just the fourth minute. But that didn’t sink the home team’s spirits at all.

It took the Fire until the 70th minute. Then, Chicago striker Hugo Cuypers hit a goal and equalized them.

That had City’s supporters venting their frustration and wondering if they’d ever seen solid play from the team this season. But in fact, they have.

When the current Orlando City roster lines up with all cylinders running, the best game they’ll play is like the one where they beat Philadelphia Union 3-2 earlier this season.

That was the game where forward Luis Muriel tallied his first brace. His second goal in the 46th minute was the fastest second-half score for Orlando.

The other forward in that match, Duncan McGuire, got his score with a header. Midfielder Nico Lodeiro earned his pay with assists on all three goals. He shared an assist with Muriel on McGuire’s.

Ensuring the team creates enough chances to win, all the player hit the pitch in good health.

Holding the backline in Orlando’s three-defender formation was Robin Jansson. David Brekalo was on the other end with Wilmer Cartagena in the middle.

Scouts gave strong marks to all Orlando players in that game. But their grades were exemplary for Muriel, McGuire and Lodeiro. And that’s not all.

Also starring in that match, where scouts were concerned, was goalkeeper Pedro Gallese. He performed as well as a keeper could in an MLS match short of earning a clean sheet.

Gallese saved penalty kick in the 88th minute, sealing his 50th win for Orlando.

This is the best that Orlando can play. In a game executed this well, the team can win their way above the MLS dividing line that gets them into the postseason.

Orlando City SC can get their with all their cylinders running. They can win.