A Competitive Break and Reconciliation Once Again has Orlando City Heading in a Positive Direction.
After a tough loss to NYCFC on their 7-a-side pitch, Wednesday night's win away to Toronto and last night's thrashing of lowly D.C. United shows us signs of the 2023 season. In my last post, I pointed out that firing a manager must take into account a number of factors, and for a few reasons keeping Oscar Pareja in the driver's seat was a good idea. The manager is accountable, and the six points collected in the last two matches is a bright spot in what has been a tough 2024 season.
A key and needed change to the starting eleven now includes designated player Martin Ojeda on top with Duncan McGuire. Pareja, for many reasons, has put the disappointing Luis Muriel on the bench, and allowed Ojeda the freedom to float in the attacking third, giving the Lions many options as they go forward.
Dovetail Ojeda's presence with Wilder Cartagena's ball-winning and distribution allows Orlando City many more options. Facundo Torres being back in form and the never-ending work rate of Duncan McGuire and Dagur Dan Thórhallsson put both Toronto and D. C. United in difficult numerical advantage situations.
Injuries, or the lack thereof, have given Pareja a player pool to again contend with midweek matches, starting this Saturday with away matches to New England and Nashville, and then home to NYCFC, all within a week. Note: one key injury to goalkeeper Mason Stajduhar was very unfortunate as he was in great form filling in for Pedro Gallese. Thoughts and prayers to Stajduhar for a successful recovery.
Orlando City honored former player Kaka last night, honoring its first ever captain as the first inductee to the Legends’ Terrace. Orlando City, as well as every Major League Soccer team, can only wish Kaka was still playing and wreaking havoc on the opposition. A very nice honor for a great player.
The three game series at New England, at Nashville, and home to NYCFC as these nine available points before the month-long Leagues Cup tournament. Can Oscar Pareja keep the momentum going similar to the last third of the 2023 season? It starts Saturday night with New England Revolution at Gillette Stadium.
Gary Levitt @gary1123 www.justmytake.net
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