Two Big Takeaways from Orlando City's Win over the Sounders

Aug 31, 2022; Orlando, Florida, USA;  Orlando City forward Facundo Torres (17) congratulates forward
Aug 31, 2022; Orlando, Florida, USA; Orlando City forward Facundo Torres (17) congratulates forward / Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
1 of 2
Next

With a stoppage time win over Seattle, Orlando City gave its fans another dramatic moment and extended its winning streak to four games. In doing so, it also demonstrated two team characteristics that suggest these last four games are not a fluke but an indicator of the team's upward trajectory, well-timed for both a playoff push and the U.S. Open Cup final.

Most notably, the team demonstrated a resilience that hasn't always been evident. Throughout this season, the Lions have struggled once they've fallen behind. This match showed them to be a side capable of resisting fighting back. The first goal they conceded came after a silly foul and a perfect free kick by Albert Rusnák. After Raúl Ruidíaz doubled the Sounders' lead early in the second half, the team could have gotten down, having lost momentum and struggling in possession.

The team, though, showed us something different, with Facundo Torres scoring just a minute later. From that point on, Orlando City controlled the field for the next 20-25 minutes, adding an Ercan Kara goal to even the score. Even after Seattle seemed to take command over the final 10 minutes, the Lions battled, eventually scoring at 91 minutes for the win.

The two points that goal gave the team are big in the standings, but the way this win came about -- especially when paired with the drama of the other recent late wins -- should give the team a confidence boost as the season wraps up.