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Upcoming Orlando City SC opponent has strong post-season ambition

• Orlando City opponent aims at post-season despite record
• New England success hinges on Giacomo Vrioni
• Focus and controlling space ensures Orlando City win

By Chuck Wharton

Aug 31, 2024; Orlando, Florida, USA; Orlando City midfielder Facundo Torres (10) celebrates with Orlando City forward Duncan McGuire (13) and Orlando City forward Luis Muriel (9) after he scored a goal against Nashville SC during the second half at Inter&Co Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images
Aug 31, 2024; Orlando, Florida, USA; Orlando City midfielder Facundo Torres (10) celebrates with Orlando City forward Duncan McGuire (13) and Orlando City forward Luis Muriel (9) after he scored a goal against Nashville SC during the second half at Inter&Co Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images / Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images
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The next opponent Orlando City SC will face hasn’t had the good fortune this season. But they want to win this match.

Orlando City SC next faces the New England Revolution. This opponent hasn’t enjoyed good fortune this season. Although the record doesn’t make it obvious – this team wants to win the upcoming match.

The Revolution's record is 8-15-3, putting the team in 12th place in the MLS Eastern Conference. The players will oppose Orlando with either a 4-2-3-1 formation or a variation of the 4-3-3.

Either of those formations serve to put Revolution forward Giacomo Vrioni up front, creating chances and taking shots.

Orlando City has a spot in the Eastern Conference above the playoff line in the 7th position. Yet, with a Goal Differential of one, that standing is precarious – even with Orlando’s 37 points vs. the Rev’s 27.

Vrioni has recovered from a July injury. He said he and his teammates plan to mount a push to the playoffs. He acknowledged that team's ambition, even while the Revolution has a long path to get above the playoff line.

Giacomo Vrioni
Aug 31, 2024; Sandy, Utah, USA; New England Revolution forward Giacomo Vrioni (9) follows the ball against Real Salt Lake during the second half at America First Field. Mandatory Credit: Jamie Sabau-Imagn Images / Jamie Sabau-Imagn Images

Vrioni hasn’t yet recovered from the pre-injury production level that saw him score seven goals in eight matches. But he has regained the stamina to lead the New England attack for 84 minutes in their match with St. Louis CITY SC.

In that 2-2 draw, Vrioni took three off-target shots and made five passes. But the team keeps him up front. At full strength, he has outstanding ability in aerial duels and takes accurate long shots.

New England expects Vrioni to regain his ability in time that they can realize their post-season ambition, even in the latter part of the MLS season.

Orlando City will have to make sure they don’t give New England to mount this surge during their match.

The way to contain Vrioni and his teammates is for Orlando City SC to maintain focus. They have post-season ambitions, as well. And by controlling space and keeping a strong backline, their ambition will overcome New England’s.