Orlando City Tie 1-1 Away from Home Against Colorado Rapids
ORLANDO, FL. (FNN) — Orlando City did its best to secure a point away from home last night. Battling altitude and fatigue, Oscar Pareja still fielded a competitive roster featuring Mauricio Pereyra and Pedro Gallese. The Peruvian goalkeeper made his 60th appearance in an Orlando shirt against Colorado. The 32-year-old shot-stopper was instrumental in securing a draw towards the last 20 minutes of play. This valuable road point puts Orlando City in a tie for fourth place. Where they sit just behind CF Montreal due to a two-goal deficit in goal difference.
Coming into Form
Orlando City is no doubt kicking themselves for not securing a full three points against a struggling Colorado team. However, the recent run of games for key players in Orlando’s squad has been promising. Facundo Torres is on a three-game streak of finding a goal and/or assist in each encounter. The Uruguayan playmaker has been blossoming into his role as a potent goalscorer within the team. All this happened despite the first few weeks at Orlando being spent winning over the team and fans with his unselfish play.
While some pundits criticized this aspect of his game, Torres was simply setting his teammates up for success. That show of good fortune and camaraderie has turned into a reciprocated trust from his teammates. The past few weeks demonstrate that fact with Junior Urso, Pato, and Ruan consistently finding Facundo Torres on the edge of his runs.
Just a few weeks ago, Orlando City was having trouble just getting the ball into the final third. With the development of team play, however, the shots have come in abundance. Now, the goal for Oscar Pareja and his staff is to hone in on those chances to produce more quality strikes with the opportunities given.
Anchor at the Back
Despite the silver linings seen in the Rocky Mountains, there is still work to be done on this away trip. Orlando City faces another test against Atlanta United this Sunday. Atlanta has struggled with its current form but is still just six points away from Orlando City in the standings. If Orlando City wants to continue their recent unbeaten streak, they will have to depend on Pedro Gallese to continue delivering heroics.
Pedro Gallese has undoubtedly been Orlando’s saving grace in defense. Whenever his number is called, the towering Peruvian shot-stopper always answers. Orlando’s over-reliance on Gallese has become a trend due to the instability in the defensive line following Antonio Carlos’ injury in April. Now that the Brazilian defender is returning in full form, the consistency in Orlando’s defense can come back with it.
Nicolas Vera is a sports reporter for Florida National News, part of the FNN News Network. | sports@floridanationalnews.com
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