Orlando City Cornered for Playoff Push After 1-0 Loss to Atlanta United

ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — Coming off the U.S. Open Cup champagne showers, Orlando City’s return to the MLS has not been without a hitch. Orlando City has suffered two consecutive losses in the league since their cup triumph. Last week, their road trip to Philadelphia bore no fruit as they were humbled 5-1. Their rotten luck at home continued with this Wednesday’s clash against Atlanta United.

Thiago Almada pulled off a fantastic run and finish to mark the difference 1-0 for an Atlanta squad that is also gunning for playoff position. The tumultuous road to playoffs for Orlando City has officially begun with just four games left in the regular season.

A Worrying Trend?

Orlando City is just inside the playoff picture with only four points separating the 5th through 10th best teams in the Eastern conference. However, Orlando City is the only team in the negative for goal difference among playoff teams. This stat mainly has to do with the blowout losses suffered away from home. But, there is something to be said for the sheer lack of goals Orlando City has scored despite their high standing.

This unfortunate fact reared its ugly head against sworn rivals Atlanta United. Gonzalo Pineda did the right move tactically to dig in Atlanta’s defensive line towards the back. You could see that Atlanta was extremely comfortable playing in tight corners. Which provided a direct counterattack to the crossing football Orlando has frequented recently for offensive movement. This frustrating brand of football proved enough to stifle the hosts as Atlanta bumps up to ninth place with 39 points.

While Orlando City continues to deliver a cohesive product on the pitch, the finishing must improve. Oscar Pareja has spoken up about players rising to the occasion. In recent weeks, Facundo Torres has come into his own with a slew of goals and assists under his belt. However, with Alexandre Pato out of the picture come playoffs more players need to take on the initiative in the eighteen-yard box.

It’s a hard thing to decode. With the stats [20 shots total, only three on target], obviously we can start by taking more shots to the frame – which we didn’t do. It could be due to tiredness, and just not being too sharp. There’s a lot of pressure in those moments. Players passing the ball to each other, saying not me, but you. Those things happen. We moved pieces, the boys put in the energy. But it wasn’t enough.

— Oscar Pareja on Orlando City’s recent struggles in front of goal.

Four Games to the Finish Line

This statement perfectly encapsulates the issues with Orlando City’s offense at the moment. It seems as if the Lions are almost too charitable in front of goal and opportunities are being passed up instead of being taken at the first instant. With playoff soccer in the balance, the time is now for OCSC to take the initiative.

Ercan Kara has had moments of success but these next few games will really put the Austrian to the test. In recent games, he’s seen his minutes cut short due to the success that Benji Michel and Tesho Akindele have found off the bench. For Orlando City to be at their strongest level, they will need goals early and often from their talisman.

Pedro Gallese continues to be the defensive anchor for this Orlando side when all else fails. ‘El Pulpo’ endured a difficult game last outing against Atlanta. Even still, the Peruvian international was in divine form. Managing two saves in both the first half and second half that denied Atlanta United the possibility of a rout.

Orlando has one more game left in their home stand this weekend against Toronto FC. This is an ideal moment to get points on the table given Toronto’s standing. Toronto sits 13th in the Eastern Conference securing only one point in their last three outings.

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Nicolas Vera is a sports reporter for Florida National News, part of the FNN News Network. | sports@floridanationalnews.com