Orlando City SC was higher in the standings heading into last year’s playoffs. Yet the energy driving this year’s fourth-place team feels much higher.
Last year’s Orlando City SC squad entered the playoffs in second place in the MLS Eastern Conference. This year’s team finished the regular season in fourth place. Yet the energy level during daily drills is much higher.
The 2023 squad defeated Nashville SC in two matches for Round 1. But they got knocked out of the post-season in the conference semi-finals by the Columbus Crew.
The Lions players normally hit the practice pitch 5-10 minutes early. But this 2024 edition has been getting out well before that threshold. They arrive very early. They spend time warming up and getting the feel of the ball on the pitch.
Orlando Digital Content Manager Austin David described the confidence and vibes as higher than before.
How could this be? Two reasons:
The opponents that Orlando has faced this season are tougher than last year. It’s an age-old maxim that iron sharpens iron, or steel sharpens steel.
This fourth place team in the MLS Eastern Conference has fought some of the toughest squads in MLS to qualify for the league playoffs.
These two 😂 pic.twitter.com/hJr9uGLWi8
— Orlando City SC (@OrlandoCitySC) October 30, 2024
The top three teams in the conference – in order Inter Miami, Columbus Crew and FC Cincinnati – average just over 66 points for the regular season. That average is higher than the individual points earned by any team in the Western Conference.
The top two, Miami and Columbus, both finished the regular season with Goal Differentials of 30 and 32 respectively. The top two in the West, Los Angeles FC and Galaxy, managed differentials of 20 and 19 respectively – dramatically lower.
The iron that opponents showed Orlando City on the pitch this season has forced the Lions to develop iron in their skill as well as their wits. The players and coaches are better for it.
The second reason is that Orlando City has had to go much further this season in developing the skills and focus necessary to compete against these teams. The Lions started the season weakly with a record of 2-5-3 through the first 10 matches.
They drilled. The coaching staff studied each opponent for simulated practice matches. They got players to master more effective formations.
It worked. They made the playoffs and earned home-pitch advantage for Round 1.
Overcoming such a disappointing start to the season builds the confidence and drives the motivation to continue winning. It’s the reason for the vibes that show on the practice pitch.
Ensuring these vibes continue on match day will drive Orlando City SC deep into the 2024 MLS post-season.