Strength, Disappointments, and Future
Orlando City SC was one of the most surprising and upcoming teams in the season 2022 MLS. Even though they were not able to compete for the top position in the league and barely made it to the championship, that too on the last match day. Orlando City SC did manage to win the 2022 US Open Cup Title. For this feat alone we are proud of our home team’s year in football.
The coaches’ performance with this team was amazing. He ensured that a low-tier team of 2019 would do better. Some fans of Orlando City SC were disappointed with a few performances of the club in some of the matches. However, they need to be assured that nothing happens overnight. Winning a title and getting a place in the playoffs is more than what they bargained for this season.
For now, all they should do is be happy and pray that their team keeps up the momentum. Hats off to Oscar Pareja.
Orlando City SC’s Strengths
Two young Uruguayans and a formation of 4-2-3-1 with almost 50 percent of all their play being from the middle. This is how Orlando City SC took control this season and manage to get their hands on a trophy while also securing a position in the playoffs.
One of the best decisions made by Pareja regarding the team was that he played Pereyra deep along with Cesar. This allowed them to keep their attacks on a grind and ensure pressure on their opponents. This single decision was also able to make the wingers of the team more useful and their attacks were able to come from all sides. Though the middle was used the most, the sides were used for making more ferocious attacks.
Now, ultimately this made it hard for the opponents to try and figure out what they were trying to do. In most of the matches, Orlando City SC had more possession than their opponents only due to the fact that they utilized the entire ground and played more “Deep” football.
Disappointments In Getting Playoff Position
Orlando City SC was not that consistent with their performances. They had more than a few draws, some wins, and a few losses as well. They also went through 8 matches 1 win streak which annoyed the fans to their cores.
Even though Orlando City SC did manage to gain a place in the playoffs and win a trophy, their entire campaign was not worth it. The fans just wanted more consistency this season and a better way to get better end results. However, the highlight of their season was when they beat SoFla rivals 1-0. Well, the fans are hoping that the next season will probably bring them more happiness and satisfaction in the journey of Orlando City SC to a win.
Another disappointment that we all felt was that we did not really get to see any youngster getting the nurturing he deserves. Quite literally none of the holdover young players really shone. It clearly shows that there is a lack in the development side of the players of the club. Jhegson Mendez was loaned out including Silvester van der Water. It also seems like Joao Moutinho’s likely next. Andres Perea, Michael Halliday, and Tommy Williams were not given enough minutes.
However, I want to tell you that this season of Orlando City SC was not something ordinary or scripted. It was something else entirely. Also, they need to get more strength in their bench because their team gets tired by the end of the season.
What Does The Future Hold?
The first thing to be looked at will be how to make the loanees permanent. Angulo and Cartagena are the type of players that will help boost the game of Orlando City SC. After the reactions of fans, and the disappointed growth of youngsters. It is to be determined how long will Pareja be able to survive in that club.
Pareja has a record of leaving a club within 3 years, however, just because of his recent season here with Orlando City SC. We can say that he might extend for a year or two. Other than that we expect to see more consistency within the team and that is how the team might win consecutive matches. Orlando City SC will have to sign a few more players to strengthen the bench power and increase the overall endurance of the team. Additionally, they will be able to power through the matches and hopefully bring more results and better results.
