Kyle Smith and Ramiro Enrique Lead the Lions to Another Win on the Road
Last night's road win at TQL Stadium provides Orlando City a better route to securing a top four seed in the Eastern Conference, which will ensure a first-round match at Inter&Co Stadium. A few takeaways atter match thirty-three:
A windfall to say the least. VP/General Manager Luiz Muzzi and manager Oscar Pareja executing Kyle Smith's option for the 2024 season has paid dividends in many ways. Smith's ability to play on both the right and left defensive flanks has provided Pareja with options at the back. With regular right back Dagur Dan Thorhallsson injured, Smith has stepped up once again to provide the Lions with both solid defending and a flank attacking option. Smith was credited with two assists last night, the first coming on a wonder ball he served to a steaking Ramiro Enrique, putting the Lions up a goal ten minutes into the match. Smith is a gamer and can start as well as come off the bench and help kill off a game. A very smart decision from Muzzi and Pareja.
It took a few games, but Orlando City's gang of six is one of the best attack forces in Major League Soccer. Ramiro Enrique, Ivan Angulo, Facundo Torres, Luis Muriel, Martin Ojeda, and Duncan McGuire all have the ability to impose their will on a game. These six players provide Oscar Pareja many options, with the ability to plug-and-play based on the opponent. The six also offer Pareja the ability to change or kill off a game. For example, no opposing defender, eighty minutes into a match, want to contend with a fresh, off the bench Duncan McGuire.
Wilder Cartegena and Cesar Araujo, backed by Robin Jansson and Rodrigo Schlegel, have given the Lions a solid spine in the middle of the defense. Orlando City's goals against through thirty-three matches is top five in the Eastern Conference, with those four players playing at a very high level backed by goalkeeper Pedro Gallese.
The big question: Will the international break help or hinder Orlando City? Does the two-week break give the player pool time to rest and recover, or will it stop the momentum the Lions have enjoyed since July? I will stay positive and hope that the two-week break allows Dagur Dan Thorhallsson and David Brekalo to recover from their injuries and add depth for the playoffs. A win in the Decision Day regular season finale on October 19 against Atlanta United could secure home field advantage for the Lions. Let us hope that Orlando City supporters fill Inter&Co Stadium.
Gary Levitt @gary1123 www.justmytake.net
photo credit: Orlando City Soccer
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